Influence of gamma radiation in tensile strength of biodegradable active films

The constant search for the improvement of the quality of the food, as well as the increase in its useful life, has raised the importance of the study and development of active packaging with antimicrobial additives. The use of gamma radiation as a sterilizing source of packaging favors greater food safety. The objective of this work was to analyze the influence of the 25 KGy dose on the mechanical properties of traction and the thickness of PBAT - poly (butylene adipate co-terephthalate)) films with addition of 5% and 10% of orange essential oil. In the results, it was observed that the thickness was more strongly affected by the oil concentration, than by the radiation dose used. The film added with 10% of oil showed smaller changes in the mechanical properties of traction. But, overall, from the results obtained, all films have still become suitable for application as active packaging. (author)