Nanocomposites of chitosan (CS) were developed and characterized in a full factorial design with varying levels of montmorillonite (MMTNa) and encapsulated tocopherol (toc-encap). The structural properties (XRD, FTIR), morphology (TEM), hygroscopic properties (water vapour permeability, hydrophobicity, sorption isotherms) and optical properties (haze, CIELab parameters) of the resulting materials were evaluated. Toc-encap contents up to 10% influenced the intercalation of MMTNa in the CS matrix, resulting in films with reduced water vapour permeability (3.48×10(-11)(g/msPa)), increased hydrophobicity (ΔGHydroph |7.93-59.54|mJm(-2)) and lower equilibrium moisture content (EMC), thus showing potential for active food packaging materials. At levels above 10%, toc-encap agglomerates occurred, which deteriorated the properties of the resulting films, as shown with the TEM. As the toc-encap content increased, the films became slightly more yellow, more irregular and less transparent, with a higher haze index.
a b s t r a c tThe purpose of this study was to develop active films that impart flavour and to test them in the packaging of biscuits. The films were mechanically analysed, with respect to colour and water vapour permeability (WVP) to evaluate the changes in the films resulting from the active agents and conditioning time. We used low-density polyethylene with incorporated lemon essential oil (EO) and/or lemon aroma to create the films that were used in biscuits and evaluated over a 30 day period. The results showed that the films showed a lower elongation due to the incorporation of active agents, and they showed a reduction of tensile strength over time. In addition, the combined use of EO and aroma did not affect the WVP value. As for colour, flavouring films had a more yellow colour and were opaque. Sensory biscuits packed with flavouring films showed an average acceptance of approximately 8.0 based on aroma and taste. These films represent an innovation for the packaging industry, and, based on our results, we recommend the combined use of EO and aroma to develop films for flavouring.
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