Abstract
Background/Objectives: The primary goal of using active packaging is to extend the shelf life of products inside the package. This research aimed to study the properties of LLDPE with Ag-zeolite nanoparticles to extend product shelf-life. Methods/Statistical analysis: In this research, LLDPE films combined with Ag-zeolite at 0.5 and 1 % wt. were produced by using a twinscrew extruder and a blown film extruder. The inspected properties included the physical properties, the mechanical properties, and the barrier properties. The data were analyzed by performing the one-way ANOVA analysis and paired comparison analysis, using the IBM SPSS software with the confidential statistics of 95%. Findings: The analyzed physical properties of the plastic films in this study showed that, when Ag-zeolite was added to the LLDPE, the yellowness index of the film increased. When Ag-zeolite was added to LLDPE plastic films, it did not appear to alter the tested plastics’ melting temperature (Tm), crystallization temperature (Tc), or the crystallinity of all the plastic films and conformed to the FT-TR and XRD curves. Ag- zeolite agent’s dispersion on the film’s gloss seemed to be aligned with the SEM images. However, although adding an Ag-zeolite agent into LLDPE film contributed to the change in color, it did not affect the polymer’s characteristics and structure. Lastly, the mechanical properties across the LLDPE plastic films mixed with Ag-zeolite agent statistically significantly decreased, but the barrier properties of the films did not change. Applications: The study results could be an alternative for manufacturing active packaging. Novelty: Color changing of LLDPE film mixed with Ag-zeolite agent, but it did not change the polymer’s characteristic or structure. Keywords: Antibacterial agent; Linear lowdensity polyethylene (LLDPE); Physical properties; Plastic film; Silver zeolite nanoparticles (Ag-zeolite); Yellowness index
Highlights
The properties of plastics are used to determine the quality of the packaging that will be manufactured [1]
The results indicated a statistically significant difference in the yellowness index (YI) of Linear lowdensity polyethylene (LLDPE)/Ag-zeolite films at 0.5 and 1% wt; the manufactured films yielded an increase of Yellowness index (YI)
As shown in [Figure 1(a)], the CIE L*a*b* graph of LLDPE mixed with Ag-zeolite at 0.5 and 1% wt demonstrated that an increase of Ag-zeolite agent in the plastic film had effects on the decreased lightness value (L*), while the yellow value (b*) increased
Summary
The properties of plastics are used to determine the quality of the packaging that will be manufactured [1]. This information underlies product design which will become the actual production. Properties of plastics can be divided into three properties, including the physical properties (e.g., optical properties, polymer morphology, thermal properties, etc.), the mechanical properties (e.g., tensile strength and elongation at break, tear strength, burst strength, etc.), and the barrier properties (oxygen transmission rate (OTR) and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) [2].These properties are important for packaging production and are crucial for both designers and manufacturers. The general properties of plastic must be verified according to the three functional properties before the process of food packaging manufacture
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: 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.
