Abstract
Migration kinetic data from general purpose polystyrene (GPPS) and high impact polystyrene (HIPS) were generated for a set of model substances as well as styrene monomer and oligomers at different temperatures (20 °C, 40 °C, 60 °C) using food simulants stipulated in the European Regulation (EU) 10/2011 and real foods like milk, cream and olive oil (20 °C, 40 °C). The extent of polymer swelling was characterized gravimetrically and visual changes of the test specimens after migration contact were recorded. Isooctane and 95% ethanol caused strong swelling and visual changes of HIPS, overestimating real migration into foods especially at high temperatures; GPPS was affected by isooctane only at 60 °C. With 50% ethanol, after 10 days contact at 60 °C or 40 °C both polymers were slightly swollen. Contrary, most of the real foods analyzed caused no detectable swelling or visual changes of the investigated polymers. This study demonstrates that the recommendations provided by EU regulations are not always in agreement with the physicochemical properties of styrenic polymers. The critical point remains the selection of adequate food simulants/testing conditions, since the high overestimation of aggressive media can lead to non-compliance of polystyrene materials even if the migration into real food would be of no concern.
Highlights
IntroductionPolystyrene homo-polymer, known commercially as crystal polystyrene or general purpose polystyrene (GPPS), is an amorphous, clear (naturally transparent), hard and rather brittle synthetic polymer made from styrene monomer
Received: 11 December 2021Polystyrene homo-polymer, known commercially as crystal polystyrene or general purpose polystyrene (GPPS), is an amorphous, clear, hard and rather brittle synthetic polymer made from styrene monomer
The migration kinetics and the weight increase of GPPS and High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) into 95% ethanol at Migration Kinetics and Weight Increase Using the Food Simulant 95% Ethanol
Summary
Polystyrene homo-polymer, known commercially as crystal polystyrene or general purpose polystyrene (GPPS), is an amorphous, clear (naturally transparent), hard and rather brittle synthetic polymer made from styrene monomer. High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) is produced by polymerization of styrene in the presence of a polybutadiene rubber impact modifier (between 5% and 12%). Compared to GPPS, HIPS is an opaque or translucent rather than transparent polymer, with superior impact strength, improved resistance to stress cracking and to crazing caused by organic liquids, oils and fats. HIPS is used on its own or blended with GPPS in specific blend ratios depending on the final functional application requirements [1]. A wide range of products made of polystyrene are used in several applications such as packaging, building
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