Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) Nanocomposites: Effect of Inorganic Nanoparticles Reinforcement on Its Performance and Food Packaging Applications

Abstract

Poly lactic acid (PLA) is a compostable, as well as recyclable, sustainable, versatile and environmentally friendly alternative, because the monomer of PLA-lactide (LA) is extracted from natural sources. PLA’s techno-functional properties are fairly similar to fossil-based polymers; however, in pristine state, its brittleness and delicacy during processing pose challenges to its potential exploitation in diverse food packaging applications. PLA is, therefore, re-engineered to improve its thermal, rheological, barrier and mechanical properties through nanoparticle (NP) reinforcement. This review summarises the studies on PLA-based nanocomposites (PLA NCs) developed by reinforcing inorganic metal/metallic oxide, graphite and silica-based nanoparticles (NPs) that exhibit remarkable improvement in terms of storage modulus, tensile strength, crystallinity, glass transition temperature (Tg) value, antimicrobial property and a decrease in water vapour and oxygen permeability when compared with the pristine PLA films. This review has also discussed the regulations around the use of metal oxide-based NPs in food packaging, PLA NC biodegradability and their applications in food systems. The industrial acceptance of NCs shows highly promising perspectives for the replacement of traditional petrochemical-based polymers currently being used for food packaging.

Mod3D: A Low-Cost, Flexible Modular System of Live-Cell Microscopy Chambers and Holders

“…However, the industry has recently evolved to produce more biocompatible polymers called "bio inks" [8] [9]. These include polycaprolactone, polylactic acid (PLA) and polyglycolic acid (PGA) and are FDA-approved for biological use [5][10] [11]. Of these, PLA resin (e-resin PLA, eSun, China) was affordable and available in our region.…”

Towards a Circular Economy of Plastics: An Evaluation of the Systematic Transition to a New Generation of Bioplastics

“…Despite PLA being extensively adopted, it still has drawbacks such as its cost and its structural breakability and fragility. Different approaches have been studied to improve its properties, such as the incorporation of nanoparticles [ 155 ].…”

Nanoparticle Shape Influence over Poly(lactic acid) Barrier Properties by Molecular Dynamics Simulations

“… 1 , 3 , 18 Recent studies reported the effect of modifying the PLA structure by the introduction of different materials. Cellulose fibers, 15 , 19 − 22 silica nanoparticles, 1 , 4 , 9 , 10 , 14 , 20 , 23 − 30 and other organic compounds 16 , 31 − 39 have remarkably increased the mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties, reaching values close to current plastics. 16 , 40 Also, some studies analyzed the PLA crystallinity and how its variation produced an improvement in mechanical and barrier properties.…”

“… 12 − 16 However, its barrier properties need to be improved to allow the extensive commercial application of PLA, along other properties. 14 − 17 The general improvement of these important properties is still expensive. 1 , 3 , 18 Recent studies reported the effect of modifying the PLA structure by the introduction of different materials.…”