5. Glossary

Adsorption; adsorption

Attachment of molecules to the surface of a solid.

(Ab)sorption; sorption

The chemical or physical process by which molecules become incorporated into the volume of a solid material. The absorption of a molecule thus results from its adsorption on the surface, then its diffusion within the solid phase.

Barriers (properties); barrier

Qualifier expressing a material's ability to limit exchanges with the outside environment. In the specific context of food packaging, barrier properties essentially include permeability to gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) and water vapor, which play a part in food preservation efficiency.

Climacteric; climactérique

A fruit or vegetable whose ripening is ensured by...