Specific migration of caprolactam and infrared characteristics of a polyamide/polyethylene composite film for food packaging under conditions of long‐term storage before use

Abstract

Caprolactam is the monomer typically used for the production of polyamide 6 films. Originating from incomplete polymerization reactions, caprolactam can remain part of the final food packaging and has the potential to migrate from the plastic packaging into the packed good. For film and food producers as well as for end users, it is of great interest that the conformity of a film with migration limits is ensured over its lifetime and that environmental conditions do not affect the migration behavior inadequately. In this work, we have investigated the long‐term storage characteristics of a polyamide/polyethylene (PA/PE) film over a storage period of 40.5 months with respect to the specific migration rate of caprolactam. Within statistical indicators, this rate is stable over the complete storage period. Different exposure conditions were applied to the same PA/PE film to accelerate the aging process. Alterations under forced aging conditions (elevated temperature and ultraviolet radiation) were studied by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to detect possible chemical changes in the polymer bulk and, by the use of the attenuated total reflection method, on the sample surface. The film was subjected to an extraction study to verify the results obtained using FTIR. Additionally, mechanical tensile tests were carried out. Indication for alterations regarding caprolactam under the different storage conditions were found. The results clearly show that photo‐oxidative conditions led to changes in the chemical and mechanical properties of the film. New chemical species occurred caused by degradation of the polymers and their contribution to chemical migration is discussed.