Application of low density polyethylene films : 1- their mechanical, physical and antimicrobial properties [electronic resource].

Includes reference.

This study was carried out to evaluate low density polyethylene (LDPE) films, of 180 microns thickness, when impregnated with potassium sorbate or calcium propionate (at the concentrations of 1,2,3 and 4% w/w) which were processed by the blown film extrusion process. LDPE films were examined for their physical properties (i.e. haze, gloss, water vapor permeability, oxygen permeability, heat sealability and shrinkability) besides, their mechanical properties (i.e. tensile strength, elongation, slip, tear strength and burst strength). Mechanical and physical properties were significantly affected by the incorporation of potassium sorbate or calcium propionate up to 4% (w/w) in the films as their haze, water vapor permeability, slip and burst strength increased, while their gloss, heat sealability, shrinkability, tensile strength, elongation, tear strength and oxygen permeability decreased as the concentration of potassium sorbate or calcium propionate increased in the films. LDPE films were also tested against some species of microorganisms on agar plate medium, from which it was noticed that, the inhibitory effect of the films against the growth of Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium oxysporium, Penicillium chrysogenum DSM 844 in a disk test was higher than that in case of Bacillus subtilis, E. coli and S. aureus as the concentration of potassium sorbate or calcium propionate increased up to 4%.

Summary in Arabic.

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