A novel photochromic time–temperature indicator to support cold chain management

Summary A detailed investigation of the behaviour of a new printable photochromic time–temperature indicator (TTI) was conducted to characterise its properties under specific temperature conditions and to analyse the influence of ultra violet (UV) light irradiation (activation) on the discolouration process. The reproducibility of the charging process and the discolouration process of the TTI were analysed. For different charging times the calculated activation energies based on the Arrhenius model ranged from 23.2 to 25.3 kcal mol−1 depending on the UV light irradiation (charging time). A quality contour diagram was established to define the appropriate charging time for different kinds of products. Due to the possibility of defining the shelf life of a TTI by different charging times, this novel TTI constitutes a reliable tool to monitor the cold chains of a broad range of food products on their way from production to consumption.

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