Evaluation of the change on water vapor transmission rate of different polypropylene films in contact with d-Limoneme and the effect such changes have on the shelf life of confectionary products.

This paper discusses the changes observed in Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) of three plastic films while exposed to different concentrations of d-limoneme. The concentration of d-limoneme on the films was determined by means of Headspace Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry. The Water Vapor Transmission rate of all films was determined by means of a MOCON-Water Vapor Permeation Analysis System Permatran-W 3/31. It was observed that d-limoneme affected the films in two ways: at lower concentrations, the WVTR decreased but, after certain concentration was reached, the WVTR increased. These results explain the shortened shelf-life of candies containing d-limoneme which are currently packaged with the studied films. Finally, this paper discusses all the experimental problems encountered on this study as well as possible improvements for future studies