Abstract

AbstractIn this study, the halloysite nanotubes (HNT) were incorporated into chitosan (CS) to prepare CS/HNT composite film by solution‐casting method. Different HNT contents were studied in relation to the morphological, optical, mechanical, barrier and thermal properties of CS/HNT composite films. After incorporation of HNT, the CS/HNT composite films showed improvement in UV light shielding, barrier against water vapor and oxygen, mechanical strength and thermal stability as well as achievement of ethylene scavenging property. Especially, when 5 wt% HNT were added, more homogenous distribution of HNT in CS matrix was observed by SEM, resulting in 169.9% increase in tensile strength, 52.94% decline in oxygen permeability and 4.07 times enhancement in the ethylene scavenging capacity at 100 kPa pressure compared with pure CS film. Moreover, the obtained film with 5 wt% HNT effectively maintained the freshness of bananas and cherry tomatoes under ambient conditions. This study demonstrated that the CS/HNT composite films could be used as active food packaging material to extend the shelf‐life of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.