Meaning
Concentrated ethyl alcohol mixed with a small volume of water functions as a standardized food simulant for testing migration from polymers. This 95 percent ethanol solution mimics the behavior of fatty foods in contact with plastic surfaces. It provides a conservative estimate of the substances that might enter a food product during storage.
Testing Application
Immersion of a plastic sample in the liquid occurs at a fixed temperature for a defined duration. When 95 percent ethanol is used, the test conditions often reach sixty degrees Celsius. This temperature accelerates the diffusion of additives and oligomers.
Solvent Power
Swelling of the polymer matrix increases the rate at which internal molecules reach the surface. Because 95 percent ethanol has a high affinity for certain polyolefins, it can penetrate the amorphous regions of the material. This penetration releases more extractables than a water-based simulant.
Regulatory Standard
Global safety agencies specify which simulant is appropriate for each food type. Using 95 percent ethanol is required for materials intended to hold dairy products or alcoholic beverages. Success in these tests ensures that the final packaging meets the migration limits set by law for high-fat contents.
This verification protects the manufacturer from legal liability and confirms the suitability of the resin for demanding applications.
