About This Project

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between the packaging shape, thickness and material of commercial containers and electromagnetic fields (Microwaves) and how they affect the absorption and distribution of electromagnetic fields in stored water solutions. Further, the study’s purpose is to investigate how the electromagnetic fields induced in water solutions such as water-based medicines and nutritional products could induce non-thermal effects during storage.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

We studied the relationship between low-intensity radio-frequency microwaves and packaging shape with sharp edges [1] and how they affect the stored water solutions as shown in the following animation video [2]. This relationship has also been validated by studying its effects on 17-O NMR spectra of H2O-NaCl [3] (salt water).

We found that the dimensions of packaging material caused variations in the absorption and distribution of electromagnetic fields in stored water solutions. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between the dimensions, thickness and material of commercial containers of water solutions and electromagnetic fields and how these variables affect the distribution of electromagnetic fields and their non-thermal effects.

What is the significance of this project?

This study will help manufacturers develop containers and storage guidelines for water-based liquid-food products and liquid pharmaceuticals exposed to EMFs during short-term or long-term storage by furthering their understanding of the roles the sharp edges, thickness and dimensions of materials play in the concentration and distribution of electromagnetic fields and how these variables influence the non-thermal effects of electromagnetic fields.

The results of this study will significantly help manufacturers obtain parameters to optimize the storage and packaging process of water solutions. This optimization will foster increased safety and better quality of water solutions during storage.

What are the goals of the project?

In this study, three-dimensional container models of commercial plastic bottles with different dimensions, thicknesses and materials will be developed. The container models will be filled with 100% water solution. The electromagnetic EM simulation will be performed by applying the finite-difference time-domain method using an EM simulation software.

The relationship between electromagnetic waves and the packaging shape, thickness and material of the water container models and their effects on the absorption and distribution of electromagnetic energy will be studied. The effect of the incident angle of plane waves, polarization and frequency will also be studied. The relationship between electromagnetic energy absorption and distribution and its possible non-thermal effects will be studied.