Investigation of multiple-component diffusion through LLDPE film using an FTIR-ATR technique

An FTIR-ATR technique was developed to investigate the multiple-component diffusion properties of 2-octanone, hexyl acetate, octanal, limonene and linalool (equal volume mixture) in a linear low density polyethylene film. Diffusion coefficient (D) values determined for these compounds in the mixture were 7.02 × 10−10, 2.86 × 10−9, 1.09 × 10−9, 7.49 × 10−9 and 5.81 × 10−9 cm2/s, respectively. Compared with the diffusion of the individual permeants (1:4 permeant:ethanol, v/v), the D values of 2-octanone, hexyl acetate and limonene were lower in the mixture solution, while those of octanal and linalool were higher. Hansen solubility parameters (HSP) were used to elucidate the solubility properties of the permeants. Two-dimensional FTIR data analysis showed that diffusion of the test permeants in LLDPE occurred in the following sequence: limonene (first) → linalool → hexyl acetate → octanal → 2-octanone (last).