PBAT/TPS‐nanowhiskers blends preparation and application as food packaging

Abstract

ABSTRACTAbout 85–90% of the market for new materials in biodegradable packaging is served by various blends and composites containing starch in some portion. In an attempt to satisfy the increasing consumer demand, innovative materials are being developed. This includes the concept of active packaging, which, in addition to protecting, interacts with the packaged product. In this context, flexible films have been prepared from blends of poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate), thermoplastic starch (TPS), and cellulose nanowhiskers (CNW) at different concentrations (0–3.0 wt %) and with distinct compatibilizing agents (glycerol, stearic acid, and citric acid) by flat extrusion. Palm oil was packaged in the films, and was stored under accelerated oxidation conditions as a model system. The films were also used for packing lettuce. The TPS increased the rate of water vapor permeability of the blends. The micrographs showed the films with very porous surface as a function of the CNW concentration. In addition to the antimicrobial action pronounced within 10 days (fungi—molds and yeasts; bacteria—mesophilic and psychrotrophic), the film showed a prooxidant action, indicating its suitability for fruit and vegetable packaging. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47699.