Essential oils loaded biodegradable PBAT/PBS films as young coconut packaging after harvest

Abstract

The polybutyrate adipate terephthalate/polybutylene succinate (PBAT/PBS) films were produced by the single screw blown-film extrusion method for the young coconut packaging application. The antifungal performance of the film was enhanced by the addition of essential oils, including cinnamon essential (CIN) and citrus essential (CT) oils. The mechanical properties, physical properties, thermal properties, oxygen transmission rate (OTR) and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of the film with essential oils were evaluated. The results found that 10 wt% of PBAT content in the PBS matrix was suitable for biodegradable film creation. In the film packaging, essential oils at 5 phr might be a plasticizer by increasing the tensile strength, elongation at break and toughness, while the tensile modulus decreased. The oxygen and water vapor transmission rates (OTR, WVTR) trended to increase, especially of the 10CT_10PBAT/PBS film. The essential oils could show antifungal performance by inhibiting the A. Niger growth. In the case of film packaging application, the film with essential oils could enhance the storage time of young coconut to 21 days without yeast growth on the surface, while the quality of coconut water did not change.