Two novel blends containing a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and a neat polyamide (PA) or a polyamide
nanocomposite (PAN) layers were fabricated and their technological potential was evaluated
during the refrigeration of cooked ham in modified atmospheres (MAP). Nanoclays were homogeneously
distributed and nearly exfoliated, and they lowered significantly the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of
the PAN films. Due to the lower OTR, the headspace oxygen level in PAN pouches do not rise above 0.26%
but it approached 2% in PA pouches at day 20. The residual oxygen levels were key for colour change
during MAP storage of cooked ham. Cooked ham redness and reflectivity were stable during 27 days in
PAN pouches while a strong colour deterioration took place after day 7 in PA pouches. Other parameters
such as moisture content and water activity remained unaltered, and pH development was related to
microbial growth and independent of the packaging polymer. The evolution of cooked ham colour in PAN
was comparable to a high-barrier commercial polymer, and was acceptable for commercial sale for 27
days, showing excellent perspectives for polyamide nanocomposites in the storage of cooked ham.