Cooking container

Abstract

To provide a cooking container which is not broken even when heated in a microwave oven while generating molecular hydrogen by reacting with moisture.SOLUTION: A cooking vessel of the present invention is a vessel for heating contents with microwaves, comprising at least a plastic layer, wherein the plastic layer contains a plurality of particulate hydrogen generating agents dispersed in a plastic matrix, and the particulate hydrogen generating agents have a volume-average particle size D50 of 1 μm or more and 100 μm or less.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooking container, and more particularly to a cooking container for heating contents by microwaves. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there have been reports that molecular hydrogen selectively reacts with hydroxyl radicals, which are harmful to the human body, to render them harmless, and that molecular hydrogen contributes to preserving the freshness of foods, etc., and various foods containing molecular hydrogen are now on the market. In particular, a method of filling foods containing molecular hydrogen into containers such as plastic packaging materials and bottles has been commonly used, but because molecular hydrogen easily permeates plastic, there is a problem that almost no molecular hydrogen remains in the container by the time the food reaches the consumer.

[0003] For this reason, studies have been conducted on dissolving hydrogen in food and maintaining the hydrogen concentration using hydrogen generating agents such as metallic magnesium and magnesium hydride. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a container and material containing a hydrogen generating agent. On the other hand, as shown in Patent Document 2, for example, heat-resistant plastic packaging (pouch bags) is available that can be filled with cooked or semi-cooked food and heated in a microwave oven just before eating. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. WO2015 / 093184 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. WO2017 / 126068 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, if the package described in Patent Document 2 uses a material containing the hydrogen generating agent described in Patent Document 1, heating the package in a microwave oven may cause the metallic magnesium or magnesium hydride to generate heat, which could damage the container or cause burns when the container is held in the hand. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a cooking container that is capable of generating molecular hydrogen by reacting with moisture, yet will not be damaged when heated in a microwave oven. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present inventors have conducted extensive research into a cooking container that contains a metal hydrogen generating agent such as magnesium hydride and that will not be damaged when heated in a microwave oven, and have arrived at the present invention.

[0007] That is, the cooking container of the present invention is a container for heating contents using microwaves, and is characterized in that it has at least a resin layer, the resin layer contains a plurality of particulate hydrogen generating agents dispersed in a matrix resin, and the volume-based average particle diameter D50 of the particulate hydrogen generating agents is 1 μm or more and 100 μm or less.

[0008] By configuring the cooking container as described above, the container can react with water to generate molecular hydrogen, but the container will not be damaged when heated in a microwave oven.

[0009] The content of the particulate hydrogen generating agent in the resin layer is preferably 0.1 to 10% by weight.

[0010] The particulate hydrogen generating agent is preferably one or more selected from the group consisting of magnesium hydride, calcium hydride, barium hydride, beryllium hydride, strontium hydride, lithium hydride, sodium hydride, sodium borohydride, lithium aluminum hydride, silicon hydride, magnesium, magnesium alloy, aluminum, and aluminum alloy.

[0011] The matrix resin is preferably one or more resins selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, styrene resin, vinyl chloride resin, polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide resin, urethane resin, fluororesin, modified fluororesin, silicone resin, epoxy resin, starch, cellulose, nylon, polyethylene glycol, polyethylene oxide, and cyclic olefin copolymer.

[0012] It is preferable that one or more layers selected from the group consisting of resin, aluminum oxide vapor deposition film, silicon oxide vapor deposition film, paper, and nonwoven fabric are laminated on one or both surfaces of the resin layer. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 shows one embodiment of a cooking container of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a resin layer constituting a cooking container of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of the resin layer constituting the cooking container of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The cooking container of the present invention is a container for heating contents using microwaves, and is characterized in that it has at least a resin layer, the resin layer contains a plurality of particulate hydrogen generating agents dispersed in a matrix resin, and the volume-based average particle diameter D50 of the particulate hydrogen generating agents is 1 μm or more and 100 μm or less. Each component is described in detail below.

[0015] FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a cooking container 1 of the present invention. The cooking container 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a container having a flange, but this is merely one embodiment and is not limited to a container having a flange. The cooking container 1 is capable of containing food and is a container for heating the contained food using microwaves. FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a cooking container 1 of the present invention. The cooking container 1 basically includes at least a resin layer 10, and the resin layer 10 contains a plurality of particulate hydrogen generating agents 12 dispersed in a matrix resin 14. The volume-based average particle diameter D50 of the particulate hydrogen generating agents 12 is 1 μm or more and 100 μm or less. The dispersed state here refers to a state in which a plurality of particulate hydrogen generating agents 12 are present in the matrix resin while being separated from one another, but is not limited to a uniformly dispersed state. Some of the particulate hydrogen generating agents 12 may be agglomerated or in contact with one another, but it is preferable that the particulate hydrogen generating agents 12 be separated from one another as much as possible. In particular, even when the particulate hydrogen generating agent aggregates to form aggregates, deformation of the container can be suppressed even when heated in a microwave oven, as long as the volume-based average particle diameter D50 of the aggregates is in the range of 1 μm or more and 100 μm or less.

[0016] The resin layer 10 contains a particulate hydrogen generating agent 12 dispersed in a matrix resin 14. In the case of Fig. 2, the cooking container 1 of the present invention is an example constructed of a single layer of resin layer 10, but as shown in Fig. 3, the cooking container 2 of the present invention may be constructed of a multi-layer structure.

[0017] When moisture contacts or penetrates the resin layer constituting the cooking container of the present invention and comes into contact with the hydrogen generating agent contained in the resin layer, molecular hydrogen is generated. The moisture here includes not only liquid water but also water vapor and moisture in the air. The generated molecular hydrogen is supplied to food contained in the cooking container, and can exhibit effects such as suppressing oxidation of the food.

[0018] In the resin layer 10 constituting the cooking container 1 of this embodiment, a plurality of particulate hydrogen generating agents 12 are dispersed in the matrix resin 14, and therefore do not form large metal lumps. Therefore, localized heat generation is unlikely to occur even when irradiated with microwaves in a microwave oven, i.e., the container is unlikely to be damaged. Furthermore, by setting the volume-based average particle diameter D50 of the particulate hydrogen generating agents 12 in the matrix resin 14 to 1 μm or more and 100 μm or less, relatively small particulate hydrogen generating agents are dispersed, and within this range, heat generation is unlikely to occur, particularly even when irradiated with microwaves. The volume-based average particle diameter D50 of the particulate hydrogen generating agents in the matrix resin is more preferably set to 5 μm or more and 40 μm or less.

[0019] In the cooking container of the present invention, the target (hydrogen supply destination) for utilizing the generated hydrogen may be any target that directly or indirectly contacts food or the like contained in the cooking container of the present invention to supply molecular hydrogen. In particular, a target whose physical properties can be maintained or improved by the action of molecular hydrogen (e.g., reduction) is preferred. The hydrogen supply destination may be water or a liquid containing water, or a solid or gas containing water. Furthermore, the hydrogen supply destination may be pure water, an aqueous solution, an aqueous dispersion, or the like. Therefore, examples of hydrogen supply destinations include beverages, meat, seafood, vegetables, fruit, and other food ingredients, as well as processed foods made from food ingredients. While these can be hydrogen supply destinations and moisture sources for the hydrogen generating agent in the cooking container at the same time, the moisture source and the hydrogen supply destination may be different. In particular, the hydrogen supply destination is preferably a moisture source for the cooking container. The components constituting the hydrogen generating material of the present invention will be described in more detail below.

[0020] (Container for cooking) The cooking container of the present invention is a container for heating contents using microwaves. In other words, it can also be described as a container used when warming food or the like in a microwave oven. The food to be stored in the cooking container is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include frozen foods, refrigerated (chilled) foods, and room-temperature foods. Such foods are stored in the cooking container, and freshness is usually maintained by molecular hydrogen supplied from the cooking container. Furthermore, such foods can be thawed or warmed by heating them in a microwave oven while still stored in the cooking container. The shape and size of the container are not particularly limited, and any shape, such as a pouch container, tray container, bowl container, cup container, or tubular container, can be used. The molding method for such containers is not particularly limited, and a matrix resin containing a plurality of particulate hydrogen generating agents can be molded into the container shape by known methods such as injection molding, extrusion molding, blow molding, vacuum (compressed air) molding, and press molding. Furthermore, the matrix resin containing a plurality of particulate hydrogen generating agents may be laminated with a resin or paper other than the matrix resin containing the particulate hydrogen generating agents to form the container shape. For example, a matrix resin containing a plurality of particulate hydrogen generating agents may be formed into a sheet, and then attached to another resin sheet, paper, or the like, and the sheet may be vacuum (compressed air) formed. Alternatively, a matrix resin containing particulate hydrogen generating agents may be applied to a molded product such as a resin sheet or paper formed into a container shape and dried, or a sheet of matrix resin containing particulate hydrogen generating agents may be attached. Known methods and devices may be used to form the container.

[0021] The size of the cooking container is not particularly limited, and can be selected appropriately depending on the type of food to be stored, within the range of, for example, 25 cm length × 20 cm width × 20 cm height. By setting the size within this range, the molecular hydrogen supplied from the cooking container can be in good contact with the food, while still being able to fit into the chamber of a commercially available microwave oven.

[0022] The cooking container of the present invention includes at least a resin layer. While the resin layer is sufficient to maintain the shape of the container, layers other than the resin layer may be included depending on the type of food to be stored and the size and shape of the container. For example, at least one side of the resin layer may include another resin layer, a paper layer, or the like. The cooking container may also include a lid for hygienic reasons during food storage and for efficient supply of molecular hydrogen to the food. While such a lid may have the same structure and composition as the cooking container of the present invention, it may also include a resin film, paper, or a metal foil or metal-deposited film, as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired. The lid may also include a sealant layer in the area that contacts the container, allowing it to be heat-sealed to the container. Preferably, the lid, like the cooking container, is made of a matrix resin containing multiple particulate hydrogen generating agents, which further enhances the supply of molecular hydrogen to food stored in the cooking container. Removing such a lid during cooking in a microwave oven reduces container shape change and overheating due to expansion within the cooking container.

[0023] (1) Particulate hydrogen generator The particulate hydrogen generating agent may be any agent that generates hydrogen (hydrogen gas) upon contact with water. The water may be liquid water or water vapor. Furthermore, the water may be pure water, an aqueous solution, an aqueous dispersion, or the like. In other words, the particulate hydrogen generating agent supplies molecular hydrogen to the contents, such as food, in the cooking container of the present invention. The volume-based average particle diameter D50 of the particulate hydrogen generating agent is 1 μm or more and 100 μm or less. If the volume-based average particle diameter D50 of the particulate hydrogen generating agent exceeds 100 μm, the heating of the hydrogen generating agent by microwaves may be accelerated, causing the hydrogen generating agent to become too hot and melt the surrounding resin, or causing burns when holding the hydrogen generating agent in your hand to remove it from the microwave oven. On the other hand, if the volume-based average particle diameter D50 of the particulate hydrogen generating agent is less than 1 μm, the particulate hydrogen generating agent may fall off, causing a dust explosion, or its unit surface area may be too large, causing the molecular hydrogen to be rapidly exhausted upon initial contact with water. If the volume-based average particle diameter D50 of the particulate hydrogen generating agent is 1 μm or more and 100 μm or less, the agent can generate molecular hydrogen by reacting with moisture, but the container will not be damaged when heated in a microwave oven.

[0024] The method for measuring the size of the particulate hydrogen generating agent is not particularly limited, but can be measured using a laser diffraction method. Specifically, the volume-based average particle diameter D50 of the particulate hydrogen generating agent can be measured using an MT3300-Ex2 manufactured by Microtrack. Furthermore, as long as the volume-based average particle diameter D50 is in the range of 1 μm to 100 μm, the shape of the particulate hydrogen generating agent is not particularly limited, and any shape such as an amorphous powder, approximately spherical beads, or scales can be used.

[0025] The type of particulate hydrogen generating agent is not limited as long as it is capable of generating hydrogen. Examples of such particulate hydrogen generating agents include magnesium hydride, calcium hydride, barium hydride, beryllium hydride, strontium hydride, lithium hydride, sodium hydride, sodium borohydride, lithium aluminum hydride, silicon hydride, magnesium, aluminum, magnesium alloys, and aluminum alloys, but it is particularly preferable to use magnesium hydride, which generates a large amount of hydrogen.

[0026] Such a particulate hydrogen generating agent is preferably mixed with a matrix resin and molded to form a cooking container. More specifically, the cooking container is preferably formed by dispersing the particulate hydrogen generating agent in a resin layer made of a matrix resin at a ratio of 0.1% by weight to 10% by weight, more preferably 1% by weight to 5% by weight. If the content of the particulate hydrogen generating agent in the resin layer is 10% by weight or more, for example, when using a high-power commercial microwave oven, microwave heating may be accelerated, causing the temperature to exceed the melting point of the resin. If the content of the particulate hydrogen generating agent in the resin layer is less than 0.1% by weight, sufficient hydrogen may not be supplied to the contents.

[0027] (2) Matrix resin The matrix resin is a resin (polymer) that constitutes the matrix in which the particulate hydrogen generating agent is dispersed. That is, the particulate hydrogen generating agent is supported and fixed by the matrix resin.

[0028] The matrix resin is not particularly limited as long as it can fix the particulate hydrogen generating agent in the cooking container of the present invention. Furthermore, as long as it does not impair the effects of the present invention, the matrix resin may be solid (e.g., film-like) or may have fluidity. For example, when the matrix resin is solid, at least one of polyolefin resins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, styrene resins, vinyl chloride resins, polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide resins, polyethylene glycol, polyethylene oxide, etc. can be used. Furthermore, when the matrix resin is in a coated form, at least one of urethane resins, fluororesins, modified fluororesins, polyolefin resins, epoxy resins, polyester resins, polyamide resins, vinyl chloride resins, polyethylene glycol, polyethylene oxide, etc. can be used. When the matrix resin is in a coated form, solvents, curing agents, plasticizers, anti-settling agents, dispersants, colorants, etc. may be blended in addition to the above resins, as necessary. In particular, polyethylene is preferred as the matrix resin because it has good moisture permeability and the amount of hydrogen generated can be easily adjusted according to specifications by changing the thickness.

[0029] The thickness of the resin layer constituting the cooking container of the present invention (i.e., the thickness of the matrix resin layer) is not limited, but from the viewpoint of ease of molding, a thickness of, for example, 5 μm or more and 10 mm or less is preferable, and a range of 10 μm or more and 150 μm or less is even more preferable.

[0030] The cooking container of the present invention may be composed of a single resin layer, or one or more layers selected from the group consisting of resin, aluminum oxide vapor-deposited film, silicon oxide vapor-deposited film, paper, and nonwoven fabric may be laminated on one or both sides of the resin layer. That is, as shown in FIG. 3 as an example, the cooking container 2 is composed of a resin layer 20 containing a particulate hydrogen generating agent 22 dispersed in a matrix resin 24, and at least one side of the resin layer 20 (both sides in the example of FIG. 3) may be provided with additional layers (26, 28). This can reduce the contact opportunity between the particulate hydrogen generating agent and moisture, thereby adjusting the amount of hydrogen generation so that molecular hydrogen is not exhausted in a short period of time, and can prevent the particulate hydrogen generating agent from falling off the resin layer. More preferably, a layer of at least one resin, such as a polyolefin resin (e.g., polyethylene or polypropylene), a styrene resin, a vinyl chloride resin, a polyester resin (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate), a polyamide resin, polyethylene glycol, polyethylene oxide, or a cyclic polyolefin resin, is preferably formed on both sides of the resin layer 20. It is particularly preferable to form a cyclic polyolefin resin on both sides of the resin layer 20, thereby controlling the rate of molecular hydrogen generation. In this case, the layer preferably has a thickness of 1 μm or more and 200 μm or less per side. Furthermore, providing an aluminum oxide vapor-deposited film or a silicon oxide vapor-deposited film on one or both sides of the resin layer is preferable because it can prevent hydrogen generated in the resin layer 20 from permeating the cooking container. For example, by providing an aluminum oxide vapor-deposited film or a silicon oxide vapor-deposited film on the surface outside the resin layer 20 of the cooking container of the present invention, it is possible to control the hydrogen generated in the resin layer 20 to be directed toward the inner surface of the container. Such aluminum oxide vapor-deposited films and silicon oxide vapor-deposited films are known as non-conductive metal vapor-deposited films and are permeable to a certain amount of microwaves, so they do not impede the heating of food when heated in a microwave oven and are less likely to cause deformation of the container. Furthermore, providing an aluminum oxide vapor-deposited film or a silicon oxide vapor-deposited film on a portion of the surface inside the resin layer 20 of the cooking container of the present invention improves barrier properties and can also prevent oils and other components contained in food from seeping into the cooking container.In this case, by providing such a vapor deposition film on the bottom surface or the inner surface near the bottom surface of the cooking container, and not providing such a vapor deposition film on the upper part of the inner surface of the cooking container, it is possible to both supply hydrogen to the food and prevent oil and other substances contained in the food from seeping into the cooking container.

[0031] Furthermore, when the cooking container of the present invention has another resin layer, paper, or the like laminated on one side of the resin layer in which the particulate hydrogen generating agent is dispersed in the matrix resin, it is desirable to arrange the cooking container surface so that it contacts the food to which hydrogen is to be supplied. For example, the cooking container of the present invention may be arranged so that the resin layer in which the particulate hydrogen generating agent is dispersed in the matrix resin is arranged on the innermost side of the container. This allows a circulation in which moisture contained in the food comes into contact with the particulate hydrogen generating agent contained in the resin layer to generate molecular hydrogen, and this molecular hydrogen is then supplied to the food.

[0032] 3. Manufacturing method of cooking container The cooking container of the present invention can be suitably obtained, for example, by the following manufacturing method: That is, a method for manufacturing a container for heating contents by microwaves, comprising the steps of: (1) a first step of preparing a resin layer in which a plurality of particulate hydrogen generating agents having a volume-based average particle diameter D50 of 1 μm or more and 100 μm or less are dispersed in a matrix resin; (2) a second step of molding the resin layer into a container; The cooking container of the present invention can be suitably produced by using a method including the steps of:

[0033] 1st process In the first step, a resin layer is prepared in which a plurality of particulate hydrogen generating agents having a volume-based average particle diameter D50 of 1 μm or more and 100 μm or less are dispersed in a matrix resin. Specifically, first, particulate hydrogen generating agents having a volume-based average particle diameter D50 of 1 μm or more and 100 μm or less are prepared. For example, a method for obtaining such particulate hydrogen generating agents includes heating and melting a metal material such as aluminum or magnesium, followed by atomization to obtain metal powder. Furthermore, by classifying such metal powder using a sieve or the like, metal powder having a volume-based average particle diameter D50 of 1 μm or more and 100 μm or less can be obtained. Next, the particulate hydrogen generating agents and the matrix resin are mixed. The method for mixing the particulate hydrogen generating agent and the matrix resin is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a method of mixing and stirring (kneading) the particulate hydrogen generating agent with a liquid matrix resin (molten resin), a method of extruding, inflation molding, or calendar molding the particulate hydrogen generating agent and the matrix resin to form a film in which the particulate hydrogen generating agent is dispersed in the matrix resin, and a method of applying or spraying the particulate hydrogen generating agent onto a molten matrix resin.

[0034] 2nd process In the second step, the resin layer is molded into the shape of a container. The specific shape and size of the container to be molded are not particularly limited, and any shape, such as a pouch container, tray container, bowl container, cup container, or tube-shaped container, can be used. The molding method for such a container is not particularly limited, and the resin layer obtained in the first step can be molded into the shape of a container by a known method, such as injection molding, extrusion molding, blow molding, vacuum (pressure) molding, or press molding. This resin layer may also be laminated with another resin, paper, or the like, and molded into the shape of a container. For example, the resin layer may be molded into a sheet, and then attached to another resin sheet, paper, or the like, and the resulting mixture may be vacuum (pressure) molded. Known methods and devices can be used to mold the container.

[0035] The size of the container is not particularly limited, and can be selected appropriately depending on the type of food to be stored, within the range of, for example, 25 cm length x 20 cm width x 20 cm height. By keeping the size within this range, the molecular hydrogen supplied from the cooking container can be in good contact with the food, while still being able to fit into the chamber of a commercially available microwave oven. [Example]

[0036] The features of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples and comparative examples, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0037] Example 1 Aluminum powder (manufactured by Toyo Aluminum Co., Ltd., Al purity 99.3 wt%, volume-based average particle diameter D50 = 30 μm, abbreviated as Al in Table 1) to serve as a particulate hydrogen generating agent was kneaded into a commercially available polyethylene resin (Novatec LD manufactured by Japan Polyethylene Corporation) to prepare an aluminum-containing compound (particle size approximately 3 mm). The ratio of aluminum powder to the total amount of polyethylene resin was 5 wt%. This compound was then formed into a film with a thickness of 100 μm by melt extrusion molding. This resulted in a sheet-shaped hydrogen generating material (material for a cooking container, the same applies below) containing aluminum powder dispersed in polyethylene resin.

[0038] Example 2 A sheet-shaped hydrogen generating material was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the volume-based average particle diameter D50 of the particulate hydrogen generating agent used was set to 1 μm.

[0039] Example 3 A sheet-shaped hydrogen generating material was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the volume-based average particle diameter D50 of the particulate hydrogen generating agent used was set to 100 μm.

[0040] Example 4 A sheet-shaped hydrogen generating material was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the amount of particulate hydrogen generating agent added to the matrix resin was set to 1% by weight in the matrix resin.

[0041] Example 5 A sheet-shaped hydrogen generating material was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the amount of particulate hydrogen generating agent added to the matrix resin was set to a ratio of 6 wt % in the matrix resin.

[0042] Example 6 A sheet-shaped hydrogen generating material was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that polypropylene (Novatec PP manufactured by Japan Polypropylene Corporation) was prepared as the matrix resin.

[0043] Example 7 A hydrogen generating material was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the particulate hydrogen generating agent was a commercially available magnesium hydride powder (Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd., volume-based average particle diameter D50 = 15 μm, abbreviated as Mg in Table 1).

[0044] Example 8 A sheet-shaped hydrogen generating material was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the amount of hydrogen generating agent added to the matrix resin was set to a ratio of 12 wt % in the matrix resin.

[0045] Example 9 A sheet-shaped hydrogen generating material was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the amount of hydrogen generating agent added to the matrix resin was set to a ratio of 0.1 wt % in the matrix resin.

[0046] (Comparative Example 1) A sheet-shaped hydrogen generating material was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the volume-based average particle diameter D50 of the hydrogen generating agent used was set to 0.8 μm.

[0047] (Comparative Example 2) A sheet-shaped hydrogen generating material was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the volume-based average particle diameter D50 of the hydrogen generating agent used was set to 120 μm.

[0048] For convenience, the hydrogen generating materials obtained in the above Examples and Comparative Examples were treated as containers in sheet form to confirm whether they could generate molecular hydrogen by reacting with water, and whether the containers would be damaged when heated in a microwave oven, as described in the following test examples.

[0049] (Test Example 1) The hydrogen generating material (material for cooking containers) obtained in each example and comparative example was cut into a 10 cm x 10 cm piece, rolled, and placed in a stoppered Erlenmeyer flask containing 200 ml of pure water. The material was immersed in the pure water (20°C) in the stoppered Erlenmeyer flask for 24 hours, and the hydrogen concentration in the water (dissolved hydrogen concentration) was measured. The stoppered Erlenmeyer flask had a glass tube attached to the stopper, with one end extending to near the bottom of the flask to release internal pressure. After three days, the dissolved hydrogen concentration was measured using a Unisense H2-500 sensor. The presence or absence of hydrogen generation was evaluated by assigning a ○ to a dissolved hydrogen concentration greater than 0.3 ppm, a △ to a dissolved hydrogen concentration between 0.1 and 0.3 ppm, and an × to a dissolved hydrogen concentration less than 0.1 ppm.

[0050] (Test Example 2) The hydrogen generating material (material for the cooking container) obtained in each example and comparative example was cut into 10 cm x 10 cm pieces and placed in a commercially available microwave oven (1000 W) and heated at 1000 W for 30 seconds. The possibility of breakage during heating in the microwave oven was evaluated based on the following criteria: ◯ indicates that the hydrogen generating material did not deform; △ indicates that the material did not deform but showed a brownish color similar to burnt in some places; and × indicates that the material was deformed and no longer flat. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0051] [Table 1]

[0052] As shown by the above results, the cooking container of the present invention was capable of generating molecular hydrogen by reacting with moisture, yet the container did not break when heated in a microwave oven. In the case of Comparative Example 1, the container did not break when heated in a microwave oven, but it is thought that the particulate hydrogen generating agent was too small and had too large a surface area, so the molecular hydrogen was quickly exhausted. In the case of Comparative Example 2, it is thought that the particulate hydrogen generating agent was too large and was easily affected by the microwaves of the microwave oven, resulting in an overheated state and causing part of the matrix resin of the resin layer to melt. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1,2 Cooking container 10,20 Resin layer 12,22 Particulate hydrogen generator 14,24 Matrix resin 26,28 Other layers

Claims

1. A heating and cooking container for heating contents by microwaves, comprising at least a resin layer, the resin layer containing a plurality of particulate hydrogen generating agents dispersed in a matrix resin, and the particulate hydrogen generating agents having a volume-based average particle diameter D50 of 1 μm or more and 100 μm or less.

2. 2. The cooking vessel according to claim 1, wherein the content of the particulate hydrogen generating agent in the resin layer is 0.1 to 10% by weight.

3. 2. The cooking container according to claim 1, wherein the particulate hydrogen generating agent is one or more selected from the group consisting of magnesium hydride, calcium hydride, barium hydride, beryllium hydride, strontium hydride, lithium hydride, sodium hydride, sodium borohydride, lithium aluminum hydride, silicon hydride, magnesium, magnesium alloy, aluminum, and aluminum alloy.

4. 2. The cooking container according to claim 1, wherein the matrix resin is one or more resins selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, styrene resin, vinyl chloride resin, polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide resin, urethane resin, fluororesin, modified fluororesin, silicone resin, epoxy resin, starch, cellulose, nylon, polyethylene glycol, polyethylene oxide, and cyclic olefin copolymer.

5. 2. The cooking container according to claim 1, characterized in that one or more layers selected from the group consisting of resin, aluminum oxide vapor deposition film, silicon oxide vapor deposition film, paper, and nonwoven fabric are laminated on one or both sides of the resin layer.

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