03/07/2024
By Danielle Fretwell

The Francis College of Engineering, Department of Plastics Engineering, invites you to attend a Doctoral Dissertation Proposal defense by Kerry Candlen on: The Impact of Polyolefins on the Environment and Sustainable Solutions for U.S. Military Ration Packaging.

Candidate Name: Kerry Candlen
Degree: Doctoral
Defense Date: Thursday, March 14, 2023
Time: 1 to 3 p.m.
Location: Virtual. Please contact advisor GraceWanTing_Chen​@​uml.edu for more information.

Committee:

  • Advisor: Grace Chen, Assistant Professor, Plastics Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • Amy Peterson, Associate Professor, Plastics Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • Jo Ann Ratto Ross, Adjunct Faculty, Plastics Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • Genevieve Flock, Research Microbiologist, DEVCOM Soldier Center

Brief Abstract:

Production rates and pollution concerns surrounding flexible food packaging continue to rise despite a lack of understanding of how plastics interact with the environment and an underdeveloped bioplastic market for alternative materials. This work at large aims to protect global water sources by implementing more sustainable materials in flexible food packaging applications. Firstly, Chapter 1 investigates the interaction between microbes and polypropylene (PP) films to better understand polyolefin degradation in aquatic environments. Filtered, fresh, and marine water samples were used as incubation medium for PP films under ambient and accelerated aging conditions. Chemical and morphological changes to the film surface were characterized by microscopy, Fourier-Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and goniometry, then correlated to biofilm growth on the PP surface and subsequent degradation. From a mitigation standpoint, Chapter 2 reevaluates the performance metrics necessary to meet shelf life and durability requirements for U.S Military Meal, Ready-to-eat (MRE) applications so ration packaging can be better designed for end of life. Barrier metrics will be evaluated via storage study and sensory analysis to determine permissible oxygen transmission rate (OTR) and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) for packaging materials whilst still meeting shelf-life requirements. Durability metrics will be evaluated by correlating failures after rough handling to the mechanical properties of a given film. The newly defined metrics will then be tested against various commercially available sustainable packaging materials to gauge market readiness. Chapter 3 also investigates sustainable ration packaging solutions, but with a focus on primary packaging and the potential use of edible film. In this study, cheesecake bars of differing water activity (Aw) and aromas were wrapped in carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) edible films, overwrapped in the current non-retort MRE pouch, and then subjected to storage at 80 °F. The cheesecake bars were monitored by Aw, moisture content, and sensory acceptability throughout storage to determine the time until moisture and aroma equilibration. The films were also evaluated by Aw and moisture content, as well as microscopy, and mechanical properties to determine failure mechanics. Results from this study will reveal the constraints of edible packaging for ration components to aid in future material development and application efforts.