Development of a 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) sachet release system

The partitioning of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) between the gas/polymer matrix was determined for 2 adsorbing agents and 4 sachet materials to estimate the adsorption potential of 1-MCP at 23 degrees C. The release study was performed using a closed system under 2 different environmental conditions, dry air (0% RH) and 90% RH. Sachets made from Tyvek, paper, low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and polyvinyl acetate (PVA) materials were fabricated to contain silica gel and activated carbon. Activated carbon sachets did not release 1-MCP at either testing condition. Activated carbon had a very strong affinity for 1-MCP. The permeability coefficients of 1-MCP and water in polyethylene and polyvinyl acetate films were determined using a quasi-isostatic method. LDPE sachets containing silica gel had similar 1-MCP release rates at both 0% and 90% RH. PVA sachets containing silica gel had slow release of 1-MCP. The amount of 1-MCP released from PVA sachets containing silica gel at 90% RH was larger than the amount of 1-MCP released at 0% RH. Release of 1-MCP from paper and Tyvek sachets was largely dependent on the sorbate-absorbing ability of the adsorbing agents.