A study into the potential barrier properties against mineral oils of starch-based coatings on paperboard for food packaging

The aim of this research study is to evaluate the effectiveness of starch-coatings for preventing food contamination from paperboard packaging. Specifically, regarding the migration phenomena of n-alkanes and Mineral Oil Saturated Hydrocarbons (MOSH). Migration test series were performed under varying conditions (kinetics up to 5 days, at 40 and 60 8C) using spiked model substances (n-alkanes mixture: C10–C40) and Tenax1 as food simulant. The results obtained for neat paperboard showed that at 40 8C, alkanes from C18 to C26 and at 60 8C from C18 to C28 can migrate almost for 5% of the original spiking. Migration testing of starch-coated paperboard was evaluated, considering the effect of different ingredients and discussed together with the information gained by micro-structural observations. Results for coated paperboards demonstrated significant barrier properties compared to neat materials at the tested conditions. Finally, migration test series with originally contaminated materials were carried out.