Development of Novel Ethylene‐Scavenging Indicator Using Sillimanite Clay Matrix Into Sodium Molybdate Complex for Smart Packaging

Ethylene monitoring and scavenging are crucial for preserving the freshness of climacteric fruits and vegetables during storage and transport. This study aims to develop a paper‐based portable ethylene‐scavenging indicator using sillimanite clay dispersed into a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix with sodium molybdate‐ferrous sulphate. Indicator samples were prepared at varying concentrations of molybdate—Si/Mo (0.10%), Si/Mo (0.25%), Si/Mo (0.5%) and Si/Mo (1%). Rheological analysis of the coating solution shows that the Si/Mo (0.25%) solution has shear‐thinning properties. Rub resistance analysis further confirms its mechanical robustness, showing the highest rub resistance value of 1 and colour change value ∆E from 21.7 to 20.07 after rub analysis, and the lowest lightfastness ∆E of 1.58 ± 0.38 after light exposure shows greater abrasion resistance as compared to all other coating solution samples and is used for indicator development. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis of Si/Mo (0.25%) peak range 1500–500 cm −1 confirms the presence of amines, silicates and alcohol functional groups. Ethylene‐scavenging capacity in 7 days was 28 ppm/0.50 g at 25°C and 20 ppm/0.50 g at 5°C, contributing to shelf‐life extension and indicator changes in colour from green to blue with exposure to ethylene gas, confirming ethylene monitoring. Scanning electron and atomic force microscopy of the indicator show an improvement in surface morphology by 46%. The developed scavenging indicator shows potential for smart fresh packaging and ethylene monitoring throughout the supply chain.