Barrier Properties of Polylactic Acid/Layered Silicate Nanocomposites for Food Contact Applications


Sengul B., DİLSİZ N.

POLYMER SCIENCE SERIES A, vol.56, no.6, pp.896-906, 2014 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 56 Issue: 6
  • Publication Date: 2014
  • Doi Number: 10.1134/s0965545x14060194
  • Journal Name: POLYMER SCIENCE SERIES A
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.896-906
  • Gazi University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Polylactic acid/layered silicate nanocomposite films were prepared by solution casting technique. Four types of organo modified montmorillonite and an unmodified bentonite were used as inorganic fillers. The structural characterizations were done by FTIR/ATR and dispersion of the layered silicates was determined by XRD. XRD results showed that the prepared nanocomposites showed flocculated, intercalated and exfoliated structure. The highest crystallinity degree obtained was 28. Overall migration tests were studied with food simulants included distilled water, 3% acetic acid, 95% ethanol. The migration values of all the prepared films were found to be below the allowed limit (10 mg/dm(2)). The best result in oxygen gas transmission and water vapor transmission rates were 233.4 cm(3) mm/m(2) day MPa and 98.3 g/m(2) day, respectively. Consequently the oxygen barrier property has increased by 34% and water vapor barrier property increment was 65% when compared to pure PLA film.