Gas Barrier Properties of Biodegradable Polymer Nanocomposites Films

Abstract

Bionanocomposites from biopolymers and inorganic nanoparticles are of great interest for packaging materials due to their enhanced physical, thermal, mechanical, and processing characteristics. In this study polylactic acid and titanium oxide ( PLA/TiO₂ ) films were prepared by casting method. The effect of structural, mechanical , thermal, and barrier  properties of  the nanocomposites were studied . Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed that no change in bonds of  PLA /TiO₂. Increased glass transition temperature and thermal stability, compared with pure PLA. Mechanical properties (Tensile strength, Young Modulus) increased when add 1, 3,and 5wt% TiO₂ compare with PLA(2.3, 2.5, 2.8 and 3)Gpa. Barrier properties (oxygen transmission rate) was decrease when the concentration of TiO₂ is increased in  PLA/TiO₂ film as (18, 16, and 14) cm^3.mm/m².day.atm, compare with neat PLA was 20 cm^3.mm/m².day.atm

Key Words: Biodegradable, polylactic acid , titanium oxide ,  mechanical properties , thermal , and barrier properties .