Abstract
In this study, a two-step strategy is proposed to form a porous polylactic acid (PLA) coating on zein films aimed at improving their function. The effect of cold plasma (CP) pre-treatment on the structure and the properties of the films were evaluated. The CP pre-treatment augmented the compatibility and adhesiveness between the zein and PLA layers. The subsequent breath-figure assembly compacted and ordered the porous morphology structure of the PLA layer. Analysis by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed that the CP pre-treatment led to a change in the protein conformation and promoted hydrogen bonding interactions between zein and PLA. Exposure of the zein to the CP for 60 s before PLA coating improved the surface hydrophobicity by 24.11 %, the tensile strength by 50.47 %, the elongation at the break by 29.67 %, and water vapor barrier by 44.34 % compared with the untreated zein film. Moreover, the modified coating films exhibited a high UV barrier and excellent biodegradable performances. The strategy of adding a porous PLA coating on the zein films achieved the properties enhancement of zein and expanded its application scope, especially in the field of biodegradable packaging.
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.
