Biodegradable Poly(Butylene Adipate-Co-Terephthalate) and Thermoplastic Starch-Blended TiO2 Nanocomposite Blown Films as Functional Active Packaging of Fresh Fruit

Danaya Phothisarattana,Nathdanai Harnkarnsujarit,Khwanchat Promhuad,Juthathip Promsorn,Phanwipa Wongphan

doi:10.3390/polym13234192

Danaya Phothisarattana, Nathdanai Harnkarnsujarit + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13234192

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Journal: Polymers	Publication Date: Nov 30, 2021
Citations: 75	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Kasetsart University

Abstract

Biodegradable polymers can be used for eco-friendly, functional, active packaging to preserve food quality. Incorporation of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles into polymer packaging enhances ethylene-scavenging activity and extends the shelf-life of fresh produce. In this study, TiO2 nanoparticles were incorporated into biodegradable poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT)- and thermoplastic cassava starch (TPS)-blended films to produce nanocomposite packaging via blown-film extrusion. The effects of TiO2 on morphology, packaging properties, and applications as functional packaging for fresh produce were investigated. Increased TiO2 in the film packaging increased amorphous starch content and hydrogen bonding by interacting with the TPS phase of the polymer blend, with negligible chemical interaction with the PBAT component and identical mechanical relaxation in the PBAT phase. Surface topography indicated void space due to non-homogeneous dispersion causing increased oxygen and carbon dioxide permeability. Homogeneous dispersion of fine TiO2 nanoparticles increased mechanical strength and reduced oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor permeability. Films containing TiO2 also showed efficient oxygen-scavenging activity that removed residual oxygen from the package headspace dependent on the levels and morphology of nanoparticles in the film matrices. Banana fruit packaged in films containing TiO2 recorded slower darkening color change and enhanced shelf-life with increasing TiO2 content.

Highlights

IntroductionHomogeneous dispersion of fine TiO2 nanoparticles increased mechanical strength and reduced oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor permeability
Several biodegradable polymers derived from bioresources and fossilbased synthetic materials including poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(butylene adipate-coterephthalate) (PBAT), poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), starch, and cellulose have been developed into various forms for packaging applications [1,2,3,4]
Incorporation of TiO2 at up to 5% gave identical locations of the absorption peaks, suggesting that TiO2 had no effects on chemical bonding in PBAT polymers

Summary

Introduction

Homogeneous dispersion of fine TiO2 nanoparticles increased mechanical strength and reduced oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor permeability. Biodegradable polymers have major drawbacks including low barrier properties, low stability during processing and storage, and high water sensitivity [2,5]. These factors limit the utilization of biodegradable plastic as food packaging. PBAT is a highly flexible material and can be blended with TPS to improve processability and achieve high stability [5,7,8]

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