Barrier Properties and Characterizations of Poly(lactic Acid)/ZnO Nanocomposites.

Zhenya Tang,Chunli Fan,Fangling Fan,Yuyue Qin,Zhuangzhuang Chu

doi:10.3390/molecules25061310

Abstract

This study aimed to reinforce the barrier performance (i.e., oxygen–gas and water–vapor permeability) of poly(lactic acid) (PLA)-based films. Acetyltributylcitrate and zinc oxide nanoparticle (nano-ZnO), serving as plasticizer and nanofiller, respectively, were blended into a PLA matrix through a solvent-volatilizing method. The structural, morphological, thermal, and mechanical performances were then studied. Scanning electron microscopic images showed a significant dispersion of nano-ZnO in PLA ternary systems with low nano-ZnO content. The interaction between PLA matrix and ZnO nanoparticles was further analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Wide-angle X-ray scattering spectroscopy demonstrated high compatibility between PLA matrix and ZnO nanoparticles. Mechanical property studies revealed good tensile strength and low flexibility. Differential scanning calorimetry curves proved that an amorphous structure mostly existed in PLA ternary systems. The improvements in barrier property and tensile strength indicated that the PLA/nano-ZnO composite films could be used for food packaging application.

Highlights

Numerous biodegradable polymers had been valued in the fields of medical and food packaging over the last decade [1]
The improvements in barrier property and tensile strength indicated that the poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/nano-ZnO composite films could be used for food packaging application
The OTR values and Water vapor vapor permeability permeability (WVP) of PLA nanocomposite films are shown in Figures 1 and 2, respectively

Summary

Introduction

Numerous biodegradable polymers had been valued in the fields of medical and food packaging over the last decade [1] Aliphatic polyesters, such as polyglycolide acid, poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid), polyhydroxybutyrate, polycaprolactone, and poly(lactic acid) (PLA), are important biodegradable polymers [2,3,4,5]. As one of these polyesters, PLA is widely concerned with its reproducibility biodegradability, biocompatibility, moderate mechanical property, better transparency of processed materials, and low price [6,7,8]. Polymers, and nanoparticles are frequently blended into PLA-based materials to improve the original performances of PLA [8,13,14]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion