Example of Observation of Food Container (Instant Noodle Container) by inspeXio™ SMX™-225CT FPD HR Plus

Introduction

Instant noodles are a convenient type of instant food product that can be eaten simply by pouring hot water in the container and waiting several minutes. Instant noodle containers must possess heat resistance and heat insulation properties so that the container can be handled by the consumer even while it is filled with hot water. For this reason, plastics such as styrene foam are used in containers for instant noodles, as they have excellent heat resistance and heat insulation properties. However, in response to the heightened environmental awareness of recent years, paper is now used in food product containers as a biodegradable material with a smaller greenhouse gas (GHG) emission. Beginning in the 2000s, paper containers with high heat resistance and insulating properties were also developed and manufactured for instant noodles, and are distributed in the market only after passing strict inspections. The microfocus X-ray CT system is a useful tool for development of new containers and inspections for container damage and contamination by foreign matter. Because microfocus X-ray CT systems enable simple nondestructive visualization of the 3-dimensional structure of the observation target, it is possible to grasp the structure of a container by cross-sectional observation without destroying the container. This article introduces an example of observation of plastic and paper containers for instant noodles using an inspeXio SMX-225CT FPD HR Plus microfocus X-ray CT system.

December 10, 2020 GMT