This study is aimed at producing biofilms by reinforcement of Magnesium Oxide (MgO) nanoparticles in polylactic acid (PLA) biopolymer using the solvent casting method. In this study MgO nanoparticles (up to 4wt%) were reinforced in PLA biopolymer and their key mechanical, barrier, thermal and antibacterial properties were investigated for food packaging applications. Among the prepared biocomposite films, the 2wt% reinforced PLA films showed the maximum improvement in tensile strength and oxygen barrier properties (up to 29% and 25% respectively) in comparison to pristine PLA films. However, the water vapor barrier properties decreased by nearly 25% due to interfacial behavior and presence of free volumes near MgO nanoparticles. PLA/MgO films also exhibited superior antibacterial efficacy. The 2wt% biofilms caused progressive damage and death of nearly 46% of E. coli bacterial culture after 12h treatment. The produced films are transparent, capable of screening UV radiations and exhibit superior antibacterial efficacy making them an excellent food packaging material.
AA2024 is one of the heat treatable Al-Cu alloys with good strength to weight ratio and fracture resistance. It finds application mainly in aircraft and structural applications. In T351 tempered condition, AA2024 has improved hardness and strength. However, the softness of the matrix leads to high wear rate. In this study, tribological characteristics of AA2024-T351 is determined using a pin-on-disc tribometer by varying the sliding velocity, sliding distance and axial load as per face centered central composite design. A hybrid linear – radial basis function model is developed to explore the effect of normal load, sliding distance and sliding velocity on the wear rate of AA2024-T351 alloy. The predominant wear regimes in AA2024-T351 alloy is understood from the characterization study on the surface morphology of the worn specimens.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations –citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.