Bilayer biocomposites of PVOH/WPI/nano‐silica treated with corona discharge

Abstract

In order to evaluate the influence of a different assembly of biocomposites of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), whey protein isolates (WPI), and nano‐silica (NS), a bilayer film treated with corona discharge was produced through a two‐step lamination. The first layer of PVOH/NS, treated with up to 90 s of discharge, and the second layer of WPI/NS, the bilayer films had their morphology, tensile strength, and water barrier investigated and compared to a single layer PVOH/WPI/NS film. Corona discharge increased the wettability of the first layer, improving the ability to interact with the second layer, thus increasing the adherence between these layers. Films treated with higher times of discharge showed a homogeneous transition between phases, suggesting compatibility, and adherence between layers. At 90 s of corona discharge treatment, bilayer films showed a tensile strength 72% higher than the bilayer film not treated and also 23% more resistant and 7.4 times more ductile than the single‐layer film. The lamination process and corona treatment increase the affinity of water with film constituents, thus leading to a higher permeability. The use of corona discharge associated with the lamination of PVOH/WPI/NS biocomposites provides a bilayer film and produces a more resistant, flexible, and ductile biocomposite film for packaging.

The process‐structure–property relationship of 3D printed G‐Polymer using fused filament fabrication technique

“…Biodegradable and biocompatible polymers, such as poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH), have emerged as strong competitors to traditional non-degradable polyolefins in high-performance packaging for industries such as food, electronics, and pharmaceuticals. [39][40][41] However, there are several challenges to their applications, including (i) limited water and oxygen barrier properties, (ii) poor thermo-mechanical properties, and (iii) difficulties in melt extrusion processing. 42 Researchers have investigated both physical and chemical modifications of PVOH to address these issues and expand applications.…”