Enhancement of Gas Barrier Properties and Durability of Poly(butylene succinate-co-butylene adipate)-Based Nanocomposites for Food Packaging Applications

Abstract

Poly(butylene succinate-co-butylene adipate) (PBSA)-based materials are receiving growing attention in the packaging industry for their promising biodegradability. However, poor gas barrier properties and low durability of biodegradable polymers, such as PBSA, have limited their wide-spread use in food packaging applications. Here we report a scalable solution to improve gas barrier properties and stabilize PBSA against photo-aging, with minimal modifications to the biodegradable polymer backbone by using a commercially available and biocompatible layered double hydroxide (LDH) filler. We investigate and compare the mechanical, gas barrier, and photoaging properties of PBSA and PBSA-LDH nanocomposite films produced on a pilot scale. An increase in rigidity in the nanocomposite was observed upon addition of LDH fillers to neat PBSA, which direct the application of neat PBSA and PBSA-LDH nanocomposite to different food packaging applications. The addition of LDH fillers into neat PBSA improves the oxygen and water vapour barriers for the PBSA based nanocomposites, which increases the attractiveness of PBSA material in food packaging applications. Through changes in the viscoelastic behaviour, we observe an improved photo-durability of photoaged PBSA-LDH nanocomposites compared to neat PBSA. It is clear from our studies that the presence of LDH enhances the lifetime durability and modulates the photodegradation rate of the elaborated biocomposites.

Recent insight into the biomedical applications of polybutylene succinate and polybutylene succinate-based materials

“…Active packaging of bread - The films possess lower tensile strength and modulus while elongation at break was higher when compared to neat PLA - Mould was observed after 7 days on the bread package in comparison to 6 days observed when neat PLA was used [92][93][94][95] PBS/quercetin Solvent casting Food packaging - Introduction of quercetin 0.05 to 0.25 phr resulted in changing of color, opacity, and UVblocking effect - There were no significant changes observed in mechanical properties of the resultant PBS-based films - The resultant films displayed some bactericidal activity 0 [96] PBS/modified tapioca starch/natural fibres…”

Layered Double Hydroxides: Recent Progress and Promising Perspectives Toward Biomedical Applications

“…Recently, there have been studies on the use of LDHs as functional membrane materials, mainly including biocompatible packaging materials [258][259][260] and functional wound dressings. [261][262][263] Adding LDHs as a filler can effectively enhance [250] Copyright 2020, Elsevier.…”

Green Preparation of High-Performance Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Film by Combining Gel-Like Extrusion and Biaxial Stretching

“…Films with low oxygen permeability have been widely used in the packaging field to extend the shelf life of food and medicine. − Since a single polymer usually cannot simultaneously satisfy the requirements of barrier packaging for mechanical resistance, low water vapor permeability, and high oxygen barrier property, multilayer films are highly sought after for their excellent comprehensive performances. − Multilayer barrier films usually consist of two or more materials and are manufactured through lamination and coextrusion techniques. − The oxygen barrier layer is crucial for high-performance packaging materials, as the permeation of oxygen gas can lead to the deterioration of food or drugs through issues such as rancidity, browning reaction, nutrient loss, and microorganism growth . Aluminum, which exhibits extreme barrier properties, is a commonly used functional barrier layer in multilayer packaging film , but has disadvantages such as poor chemical resistance, opacity, lack of microwavability, and high price. , And compared to other flexible packaging materials, aluminum foil has a much higher carbon footprint per kilogram .…”