Micro-FT-IR Characterization of Microplastic Migration from Takeaway Food Containers under Simulated Contact Scenarios

ZHANG Yuxiao; LU Zhenni; LIN Qinbao; LI Hanke; LI Ting

doi:10.19554/j.cnki.1001-3563.2025.19.021

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Packaging Engineering ›› 2025, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (19) : 198-206. DOI: 10.19554/j.cnki.1001-3563.2025.19.021

Agro-products Preservation and Food Packaging

Micro-FT-IR Characterization of Microplastic Migration from Takeaway Food Containers under Simulated Contact Scenarios

ZHANG Yuxiao¹, LU Zhenni², LIN Qinbao^1*, LI Hanke^2*, LI Ting³

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Abstract

The work aims to investigate microplastic (MP) migration from commercial polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS) takeaway containers upon contact with food simulants, and to assess associated release risks and influencing factors. Two PP and two PS containers were exposed to typical food simulants (50% ethanol and 4% acetic acid) at 80 °C for 2 h. Types and concentrations of released MPs in simulants were characterized by micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (Micro-FT-IR) for polymer identification and quantification, while container surface morphology was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results showed that MPs were detected in all samples, comprising PP, PS, polyethylene (PE), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyamide (PA), and phenolic resin. After exposure to 50% ethanol, MP concentrations reached 0.6×10³-3.2×10³ particles/L for PP containers and 1.3×10³-1.8×10³ particles/L for PS containers. Corresponding values for 4% acetic acid exposure were 0.2×10³-0.8×10³ particles/L (PP) and 0.4×10³-0.7×10³ particles/L (PS), indicating enhanced MP release by fatty food simulants. Particle sizes ranged from 10 to 434 μm, with >95% exceeding 20 μm. SEM revealed surface defects (e.g., cracks, pits) that potentially accelerated MP release. In conclusion, PP and PS containers release diverse MPs under high-temperature contact with food simulants. 50% ethanol promotes greater release, and surface defects are a key contributing factor. These findings underscore the need for enhanced safety standards and regulatory measures for takeaway packaging.

Key words

takeaway food containers / microplastics / micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy / food simulants / polypropylene / polystyrene

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ZHANG Yuxiao, LU Zhenni, LIN Qinbao, LI Hanke, LI Ting. Micro-FT-IR Characterization of Microplastic Migration from Takeaway Food Containers under Simulated Contact Scenarios[J]. Packaging Engineering. 2025, 46(19): 198-206 https://doi.org/10.19554/j.cnki.1001-3563.2025.19.021

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