Characterization of α‐tocopherol‐loaded MCM‐41 mesoporous silica with different pore sizes and antioxidant active packaging films

Antioxidant active packaging films were prepared with low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) being incorporated with α‐tocopherol‐loaded MCM‐41 mesoporous silica. In order to study the influence of pore size and morphology of the mesoporous material on physical and release properties of films, the mesoporous materials were synthesized with various pore sizes and morphologies. MCM‐41 mesoporous silica materials before and after being loaded with α‐tocopherol were characterized, as well as the active films. The results show that physical properties and release profiles of active films can be changed when being incorporated with mesoporous materials with different structures: crystallinity of films prepared ranged from 11.30% to 18.13%, and the tendency of change was in good accordance with that of specific surface area of mesoporous silica materials. Variation of release rates of the antioxidant in packaging films can be achieved by changing MCM‐41 pore size, and the release period can be prolonged by ~64% in the scope of this study. These demonstrate that LDPE/α‐tocopherol/MCM‐41 films with adjustable release profile and physical properties have the potential to be used as antioxidant active packaging films.