EFFECTS OF ELECTRON-BEAM IRRADIATION ON PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF OIL PALM FROND BASKETS

Palm frond baskets have been an integral part of packaging in many countries and have formed part of the local culture such that certain agro products are assumed to be in their best when packaged in palm frond baskets, hence many resist the use of synthetic materials. Irradiation of materials requires pre-packaging; there is the need therefore to understand the effect of irradiation on the biomaterial and determine the possible parameters that can be used for identification of irradiated materials. The effect of electron beam radiation treatment on the physicochemical properties of oil palm frond basket was investigated. Irradiated baskets showed a dose dependent ESR signal intensity and retained more than 13 % of the signal 30 days post-irradiation. Irradiation had no effect on the hygroscopicity. Headspace analysis showed no significant difference in the composition of the constituents, however differences in per cent content of 2-methyl-1-penten-3one, 3-methyl-butanal, decanal, heptanes, 5-hepten-2one and dodecamethyl cyclohexasiloxane were observed. Palm frond baskets can be used as packaging material for agricultural produce meant for irradiation and ESR could be used to differentiate irradiated and non-irradiated baskets. Heptane and 2-Methyl-1-penten-3-one which increased by over 500 times post-irradiation can be candidates for identification of irradiated baskets.