Effects of B‐ionizing radiation on the properties of flexible packaging materials

Abstract The influence of B‐ionizing radiation on chemical structure and mass transfer phenomena was studied in the principal flexible food packaging materials (LDPE and OPP). No significant changes were observed in the structure of polymer matrices or in oxygen permeability and global migration after ionizing the materials at dose levels approved for food products ( < 110 kGy). Nevertheless, at low doses, it was observed that volatile organic compounds were present in ionized films. Several oxidation products were analysed by a dynamic head space technique. These oxidation products (typically ketones, aldehydes and carboxylic acids) could play a part in the organoleptic properties of prepackaged foods and, consequently, in their shelf‐life.