A thermoformed, microwavable container made from a polypropylene/Saran®/polypropylene coextruded material was selected as the test container. Samples of the specimen were microwaved in sealed glass vials for periods ranging from 3 to 7 min. After heating, the head space of the vials was sampled and analysed. The microwaving process was carried out in an Amana Radarange® microwave oven on full power. Sample surface temperature as a function of microwaving time and the quantitative identification of volatile compounds released by the polymer during microwaving were determined. Five major components were detected and quantified in the head space of the vial using gas chromatography. The quantity of each component increased with increased microwaving time. Using mass spectrometry, the five components were identified; four were hydrocarbons and the fifth was butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Release of organic components during brief microwaving of polymers may be a near-the-surface phenomenon.
