Post-consumer polymers (PCR) for color retention of delicatessen meats and elucidation of the light blocking mechanism

dc.contributor.author Olson, Emily
dc.contributor.author Liu, Fie
dc.contributor.author Bahns Ted
dc.contributor.author Jiang, Shan
dc.contributor.author Vorst, Keith
dc.contributor.author Curtzwiler, Greg
dc.contributor.department Food Science and Human Nutrition
dc.contributor.department Materials Science and Engineering
dc.date.accessioned 2021-10-19T15:27:26Z
dc.date.available 2021-10-19T15:27:26Z
dc.date.issued 2020-09
dc.description.abstract Increased light blocking properties of extruded films can be realized by sustainable, post-consumer recycled (PCR) polymers. This study elucidates the light blocking mechanism of these films within the ultraviolet-visible region (UV–Vis) via a novel optical measurement and electron microscopy analysis. A spectrometer and integrating sphere were mounted on a translational stage opposite a light source to measure the apparent absorbance as a function of distance. It was determined that a mixed scattering/reflection mechanism is present for virgin/PCR high density polyethylene (HDPE) blends with increased scattering in the ultraviolet and both scattering and reflection in the blue-visible. An electron microscopy study further suggests that the unique optical properties may be due to the well-dispersed nano-domains of aluminum, oxygen, and silica with increasing PCR content in addition to changes in crystalline domains reported previously. This inspired the application of the material as a light fixture filter for preserving light sensitive products. The preservation efficiency of light sensitive specimens under light emitting diode (LED) illumination was evaluated quantitatively (CIE L*a*b* color space) and qualitatively (digital imaging) as a function of time. Using roast beef as a model system, the maximum red color change (a*) of non-filtered roast beef specimens was realized approximately 55% faster than the filtered (Δa* = 7.1) in simulated retail display conditions. The improved color retention under filtered light can be attributed to increased light scattering across the blue wavelength range (440–485 nm) reducing light exposure near the maximum absorption band of myoglobin. Reduction of blue light exposure inhibits metmyoglobin production and meat discoloration. Data presented in this study suggest that PCR polymers can tune light blocking properties, providing a means to increase the color retention of light sensitive foods while simultaneously diverting food and plastic waste from landfills.
dc.description.comments This accepted article is published as Olson, Emily., Bahns, Ted., Jiang, Shan., Vorst, Keith., Curtzwiler, Greg W*. Post-consumer polymers (PCR) for color retention of delicatessen meats and elucidation of the light blocking mechanism. Sustainable Materials & Technologies. 25 (2020);e00193. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.susmat.2020.e00193. Posted with permission.
dc.identifier.uri https://dr.lib.iastate.edu/handle/20.500.12876/EzR2EEJz
dc.language.iso en_US
dc.publisher Elsevier B.V.
dc.source.uri 10.1016/j.susmat.2020.e00193 *
dc.subject Post-consumer recycled
dc.subject Sustainability
dc.subject Light filter
dc.subject Optics
dc.subject Shelf life
dc.subject Color retention
dc.subject.disciplines DegreeDisciplines::Life Sciences::Food Science::Food Processing
dc.subject.disciplines DegreeDisciplines::Life Sciences::Nutrition::Human and Clinical Nutrition
dc.subject.disciplines DegreeDisciplines::Engineering::Materials Science and Engineering::Polymer and Organic Materials
dc.subject.disciplines DegreeDisciplines::Life Sciences::Food Science::Food Biotechnology
dc.title Post-consumer polymers (PCR) for color retention of delicatessen meats and elucidation of the light blocking mechanism
dspace.entity.type Publication
relation.isAuthorOfPublication 1ee49685-b2cc-43b1-be6c-b8c6291ebc3a
relation.isOrgUnitOfPublication 95fe1086-c07b-408b-a017-f17053e4bfbf
relation.isOrgUnitOfPublication bf9f7e3e-25bd-44d3-b49c-ed98372dee5e
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