Light Barrier for Non-Foil Packaging
Abstract
Light barrier requirements for all-polymeric high oxygen and water vapor barrier (OTR and WVTR respectively flexible pouch laminations were evaluated for use in a thermal Microwave sterilization (MWS) process suitable for low acid canned foods. The US Army OTR specification for flexible pouches can be satisfied by all polymeric multi-layered barrier materials, but WVTR is five (5) to ten (10) times the US Army specification. A method was developed to quantify both the dielectric constant and the dielectric loss factor for the polymeric multi-layered barrier materials. Attempts to increase water barrier performance using nanoclay particles dispersed in polyolefin sealant layers did not succeed in reaching specified levels. Multilayered material was used successfully to package US Army MRE cheese sauce, dessert bar and chicken and dumplings entree items. Chicken and dumplings entrees were made shelf stable using both MWS and traditional heat retorting. Retorted chicken and dumplings entrees were also processed in a standard US Army foil lamination. Subsequent accelerated conditions storage and taste panel evaluation at Natick labs indicated preference for the MWS-prepared entrees over the retorted ones.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 16, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA540604
Entities
People
- Amy W. Sherrill
- Thomas J. Dunn