High-Strength, Low-Permeable, and Light-Protective Nanocomposite Films Based on a Hybrid Nanopigment and Biodegradable PLA for Food Packaging Applications

Abstract

Herein, a multifunctional filler, a dye (organic)–clay (inorganic) hybrid nanopigment (DCNP), was embedded into polylactic acid (PLA) to fabricate a colored biodegradable/biocompatible film, which is explored as a high thermomechanical resistant as well as a superior light and mass transport barrier for food packaging applications. In this respect, the DCNP was synthesized through a wet chemical process with a reaction yield of 76% and incorporated into a PLA matrix at various concentrations using a solution casting method. The morphological characterizations revealed partially intercalated/exfoliated structure for PLA–DCNP films. The samples filled with DCNP showed up to 20% and 12 °C improvements in storage modulus (E′) and glass transition temperature (Tg), respectively, compared to those with neat PLA. Incorporation of a small amount of DCNP into the PLA matrix significantly declined the water vapor and gas permeability of PLA by 36 and 54%, respectively. The optical property investigations indicated remarkable color characteristics and light protection performance of the samples containing DCNP. The results also showed better performance of the PLA–DCNP film compared to that of the PLA–Cloisite 20A sample at an identical filler loading. In conclusion, the desirable properties of the resulting films highlighted the potential application of such nanocomposite films as a promising option for food packaging materials.

Electrically Triggered Drug Delivery from Novel Electrospun Poly(Lactic Acid)/Graphene Oxide/Quercetin Fibrous Scaffolds for Wound Dressing Applications

“…By adding GO, the permeability of the membranes increased by ~8% compared to the PLA film. This could be due to the good dispersibility of GO in the PLA matrix, making the membranes more hydrophilic [ 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 ]. Liu et al [ 44 ] also demonstrated that the surface wettability of electrospun composite fiber mats is enhanced by the GO and/or nanohydroxyapatite inclusions.…”

Effect of Lemon Waste Natural Dye and Essential Oil Loaded into Laminar Nanoclays on Thermomechanical and Color Properties of Polyester Based Bionanocomposites

“…Specifically, tensile strength maintained an acceptable deformation level only when 3 wt% of unmodified MMT was considered, while HT, even at the same lower amount, strongly decreased the ductility of the matrix. It has been reported [50] that a dye−clay nanopigment, synthesized via a cationic exchange reaction between mineral nanoclays and organic dyes, can be considered to gain the advantages of nanoclay reinforcement and colorant features, simultaneously. Nevertheless, even if the dispersion in polymer matrices can offer superior colorimetric properties and color fastness compared to the inorganic counterparts, mechanical enhancement can be obtained only if the nanopigment has been properly intercalated or exfoliated in the formulation.…”

Novel Acumens into Biodegradation: Impact of Nanomaterials and Their Contribution

“…The authors reported the potential use of these starch-based nanocomposites as food packaging materials [69]. Colored biodegradable dye (methylene blue)-clay (montmorillonite)-nanopigment (DCNP)polylactic acid (PLA) nanocomposite films were prepared and tested for various functional properties by Mahmoodi et al [70]. The PLA-DCNP films exhibited high mechanical strength, barrier properties, blocking effect against destructive radiation, biodegradability properties, and potential food packaging applications [70].…”