Evaluation of release of antioxidant from high density polyethylene by planar chromatography.

Irganox 1330 (1,3,5-trimethyl-2,4,5-tris(3',5'-ditert-butyl)-4'-hydroxybenzyl)- benzene) (I), an alkylphenol compound used as antioxdiant in the production of high density polyethylene (HDPE), was the subject of this study. The quantity of I given up by polyethylene samples of different thickness to aqueous and lipophilic media simulating food was studied by planar chromatography (PC). The manner of antioxidant release was also investigated. The chromatographic method developed was found satisfactory for the quantification of I in the migration studies undertaken, and had quantification limits (12 ng/deposit) suitable for quality control of HDPE.