Effect of Irradiation on the Biodegradation of Cellophane Films

Cellophane has extensively been used as a packaging material for food and pharmaceuticals as a replacement for petrochemical plastics. To improve its barrier properties, coatings are commonly applied to the surface of cellophane films. This layer, however, can hinder the biodegradation of cellophane. Irradiation, used as a sterilization technique, may also affect its biodegradation properties. The objective of this study was to examine the aerobic biodegradation of three different types of cellophane films: uncoated cellophane (CP), nitrocellulose-coated cellophane (CM), and PVdC-coated cellophane (CK) in a simulated aerobic composting environment using a direct measurement respirometric system, as well as to determine the influence of irradiation-induced sterilization (gamma and electron beam) on their biodegradability. The effect of post-irradiation aging on the biodegradability of these regenerated cellulose films was also investigated. Non-irradiated uncoated cellophane, non-irradiated nitrocellulose-coated cellophane and non-irradiated PVdC-coated cellophane approached 71, 55 and 63 % mineralization, respectively, after 141 days. Irradiated CP degraded faster than irradiated CM and CK after it had been stored for 9 months. Irradiation did not significantly affect the biodegradation of CM and CK films during 9 months of storage.