Accelerated aging and contact with food simulants in adhesion of amorphous hydrogenated carbon films obtained by the PECVD process from recycled PET from packaging

This work focuses principally on the influence of time, temperature, and contact with food simulants in adhesion of amorphous hydrogenated carbon (a-C:H) films obtained by the plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition process in recycled PET from packaging. Shelf life of packaging used in soft drinks, fruit juice, etc. is known to be ~ 6 months, with possible variations. The a-C:H film, used in this study as a functional barrier against possible contaminants in recycled PET, was analyzed to determine possible alterations in its physical and chemical properties. The film underwent an accelerated aging test and was exposed to contact with food simulants listed by the FDA. In this case, adhesion is one of the properties most in need of conservation. This property was analyzed by means of the tape test and scanning electronic microscopy. Superficial chemical alterations resulting from both the accelerated aging test and contact with liquids were examined by the contact angle.