Effect of storage conditions on the absorption kinetics of non-metallic oxygen scavenger suitable for moist food packaging

To investigate the effects of temperature and relative humidity (RH) on the absorption kinetics of a moisture-activated non-metallic oxygen scavenger for packed foods, the kinetic parameters were evaluated at 11, 33, 75, 99% RH and 5, 23, and 60 degrees C. The absorption kinetics were well described by a first-order reaction. This non-metallic oxygen scavenger requires a high RH to ensure a high oxygen absorption capacity; average oxygen absorption capacity was 10.98, 23.74, 43.99, 50.4 mL at 11, 33, 75, 99% RH, respectively, at 23 degrees C. As the temperature increased, the oxygen scavenging capacity also increased. The oxygen absorption rate constant increased from 0.251 h(-1) at 5 degrees C to 1.406 h(-1) at 60 degrees C. It is important to consider the storage conditions before using a non-metallic scavenger for active food packaging use in order to ensure selection of the appropriate scavenger type.