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Somasundaram
Acetaldehyde commonly known as AA, is present in all citric juices, is generated during processing of PET, and is not harmful to humans for consumption. AA normally gives off taste and flavor to flat water. AA (Acetaldehyde) is generated during the melt polymerization and most AA generated during the melt phase is driven out during the SSP (Solid State Polymerization) process and the net resultant AA in PET chips of water grade resin is less than 0.60 PPM. Major portion of AA in preform / bottle is generated during the melt processing of SSP chips in extruder to make preforms. Since, the functional end groups in PET are highly sensitive to temperature. The high temperature and shear in screw / barrel, breaks Hydroxyl groups to vinyl ester groups. The reaction is as below. R-CO-O-CH2-CH2-OH R-CO-O-CH=CH2 + H2O The new vinyl ester groups, further reacts with water molecule to produce Acetaldehyde in the preforms. H2O+ R0-CO-O-CH=CH2 AA + R0-COOH The AA thus generated remains in the preform / bottle wall, after the processing is completed. This residual AA in the container, migrate slowly into the content of the container, when the temperature is above the boiling point. The AA in the bottle is reduced in long-term storage, by migration to air. But, there will hardly any change in AA during the Stretch Blow Molding of Preform to Bottle. The boiling point of AA at normal pressure is 21 o C.
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The above are some of the tips for reducing the AA, a combination of the same will help to have the AA under stipulated norms of 4 PPM for water preforms / bottles. Drying has considerable impact on AA generation. Higher moisture content will lead to hydrolytic degradation. Hence moisture content to be maintained less than 40 PPM, for lower AA preforms. .
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