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Evaluation of polyamide composite casings with silver-zinc crystals for sausages packaging

Abstract:

This study assessed the manufacture of polyamide (PA-6) composite casings based on silver-zinc crystals with potential application in sausages packaging. The antimicrobial activity of silver-zinc crystals was estimated by the minimum inhibitory concentration method for microbial strains related with the spoilage of meat products. PA-6 films were prepared as a multilayer film by bubble film sheet co-extrusion (130 °C-14,000 kPa), identified according to the layers distribution as control and active casings by adding 3% (w/w) of silver-zinc crystals to obtain a film with good barrier and mechanical properties. DSC, DMTA and SEM were also evaluated for determining the effects of microparticles in the polymeric matrix. Silver-zinc crystals inhibited the growth of various microbial strains, being Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14028 which presented greatest resistance. Silver-zinc crystals were well impregnated in PA-6 films. Inclusion of silver-zinc crystals did not modify the mechanical properties and decreased the oxygen transmission rate of the films. © 2013.