Development of a 1‐Methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) Sachet Release System

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Abstract
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°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.