BIOPOLYMER PACKAGING APPLICATION FOR LOW-TEMPERATURE FOOD PRESERVATION

Abstract

Background: The use of biopolymer packaging materials for freezing and low-temperature storage keeps food items qualitative and safe. It also reduces environmental pollution caused by biopolymer petrolic materials that have a long biodegradation period. Aim: It is necessary to find out the possibility of using biopolymer film “CornBag” in the low-temperature preservation of food items. Methods: Freezing and low-temperature storage of polymer films were carried out in chest freezers Liebherr LGT 2325 Mediline and VESTFROST Solutions VT 078. The tensile testing machine Labthink XLW (M) measured physical and mechanical properties. Results and Discussion: The article covers the results of researching low-temperature effects on physical and mechanical properties (tensile strength and tensile strength at break) of biopolymer film “CornBag” derived by polymerizing starch from corn and sweet potato, low-temperature action having been performed in the range of -60 º? to -20 ºC for 90 days. It has been found that during the storage period, the action of low temperatures does not reduce the strength properties of the biopolymer film significantly. Changes in the strength properties of the biopolymer film and the biaxially oriented polypropylene film under long-term effects of low temperatures have been differentially analyzed. Changes in tensile strength at the break having been analyzed, stretch diagrams of the biopolymer and biaxially oriented films were obtained. It has been concluded that the strength properties of biopolymer film “CornBag” decline to no more than 12.5 % after 90-day storage under -60 ºC. Conclusions: The biopolymer film is equal to the biaxially oriented polypropylene film and can be recommended for freezing and low-temperature storage of food items.