Determination of Epoxy and Derivatives in Packaging: Uses and Determination Methods

What are Epoxy and Derivatives? Usage Areas, Determination and Methods in Packaging

What is Epoxy and Derivatives?

Epoxy is a material that is usually a type of polymer or resin and has high durability thanks to its cross-linked structures. It is formed by the combination of organic components containing epoxide groups. This structure provides resistance to heat, water and chemicals due to its chemically reactive properties. Epoxy and its derivatives are widely used in industrial applications and daily life.

Why Determination of Epoxy and Derivatives in Packaging?

The determination of epoxy and its derivatives in packaging is an important test parameter for food safety and consumer health. Epoxy components can cause the migration of chemicals in packaging materials. This affects the quality of food. In addition, since some epoxy derivatives can be harmful to health, it is necessary to detect the presence of these components in packaging materials.

Epoxy and its derivatives, which are resistant to acidity, alkalinity and water, are usually analyzed in cans. Epoxy and its derivatives, which are used in the process of coating the inner surfaces of canned food cans with lacquer, can migrate from packaging to food through prolonged contact.

Epoxy and Derivatives are inspected within the scope of the “Turkish Food Codex Communiqué on the Restriction of the Use of Certain Epoxy Derivatives in Food Contact Materials and Materials” and it is aimed to keep the amount in packaging materials under control.

General Reasons for Analysis:

• Food Safety: To prevent food from being exposed to harmful chemicals from packaging materials.
• Legal Regulations: To comply with legal requirements related to the food and packaging sector.
• Product Quality: To protect product quality by controlling the interaction of packaging with food.

Methods for the Determination of Epoxy and Derivatives in Packaging

There are various methods used for the determination of epoxy and its derivatives in packaging:

1. Gas Chromatography (GC): A widely used method for the separation and determination of epoxy compounds. They are detected by their volatility in samples.
2. Liquid Chromatography (HPLC): Used for the analysis of epoxy and its derivatives. This method allows separation of components in liquid mixtures.
3. FTIR Spectroscopy: It is an analysis method used to determine the chemical structure of epoxy components. It is especially effective for the detection of epoxy groups.
4. Mass Spectrometry (MS): Used to determine the molecular weight and structure of epoxy and its derivatives. It is usually combined with other methods to give more reliable results.
5. Microbiological Analysis: If epoxy components are in contact with food, these analyses check for the presence of microorganisms in the packaging.

Nanolab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Determination of Epoxy and Derivatives in Packaging . We also provide services in the determination of Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

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