UV-activated oxygen scavenging system based on natural rubber latex from Hevea brasiliensis for active packaging applications

Abstract

A novel oxygen scavenger based on natural rubber latex (NRL), photocatalytic system (PCS) comprising acetophenone and manganese chloride was developed and evaluated for its oxygen scavenging capacity and rate for the first time. The oxygen content (20.9%) in glass vials was reduced to 0% after 60 days and 20 days using NRL mixed with 3 wt% of PCS at 25 ℃ and 45 ℃ respectively. Colorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was performed before and after oxygen scavenging. The rheology along with particle size (399.6 nm) and zeta (−23.30 mV) was done to know viscosity and stability for the viability of NRL/PCS3 as active coatings in packaging applications. The prepared oxygen scavenging system showed an oxygen absorption capacity of 1045 mL O2/g (at 25 ℃) and a rate of 17.42, 52.25 mL O2/g.day at 25 ℃ and 45 ℃ respectively. The rate constant value was increased to 0.4761 h−1 from 0.2119 h−1 when the temperature was raised from 25 ℃ to 45 ℃. Hence, results proved that the NRL-based oxygen scavenging system with UV activation could be an effective alternative for iron-based commercial oxygen scavengers for foods that are moderate to highly susceptible to oxidation.