Modelling migration from high-density polyethylene containers into concentrated solutions used as food flavourings

Migration from high-density polyethylene into different liquids (hexane, ethanol, lemon terpenes and their emulsions) was modelled using the response surfaces method. Polynomial equations (z = A + Bx + Cy + Dx(2) + Ey(2) + Fxy) were established and parameters determined for each compound. Correlation coefficients were generally > 90%. Analysis indicated that 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl) phenol, probably due to the degradation of the antioxidant additive tris(2,4- bis(1,1-dimethylethyl) phenyl) phosphite, migrated into each liquid tested, whatever the temperature. Oligomers (10-30 carbons) terminated by a vinyl group were also detected.