A mathematical model to predict moisture uptake of dry products packaged individually in flexible films

Abstract

This work present a model for prediction of moisture gain over storage time for individually packaged, which considered both the moisture transfer through the polymeric film to the headspace and from the headspace to the product. The transport of moisture between the headspace and each product was assumed to be controlled by external resistance. No interaction between the packaged components was considered. Moisture content within the product was assumed to be uniform for a given time and to relate to the headspace humidity by the GAB sorption isotherm. The isotherm parameters were determined by equilibrating samples at different relative humidity. The transient period of these experiments was used to estimate the mass transfer coefficients. The model was validated by monitoring the moisture take up by breakfast cereal and chocolate powder packed individually in different materials, oriented polypropylene (OPP) and low density polythelene (LDPE), during storage at 25ºC and 75% RH (relative humidity). The model provided very good fits for the products packaged individually (with r2 above 0.99).