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Antibacterial and Structural Properties and Printability of Starch/Clay/Polyethylene Composite Films

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Abstract

A composite of thermoplastic starch (TPS), low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and citric acid-modified montmorillonite (CMMT) was prepared in a twin screw extruder for packaging film application. Starch was first converted to the thermoplastic state by using sorbitol and water. Composite films were produced on a chill roll system and then were modified for printability by grafting of acrylonitrile onto the starch backbone. Antimicrobial property and printability of the films were studied from which the sample with the highest antimicrobial property and the best printability was selected. This optimal sample was then characterized by Fourier transform infrared, thermal gravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The composite film showed a matrix/dispersed morphology in which LDPE formed a continuous phase and TPS/CMMT nanocomposite particles appeared as dispersed phase. Biodegradability, water absorption, oxygen permeability, tensile strength and transparency of optimal film were also studied. The results indicated very good properties of the produced composite film for packaging application.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Isfahan, P.O. Box 81746-73441, Isfahan, Islamic Republic of Iran

    Majid Pirooz & Amir H. Navarchian

  2. Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Isfahan, P.O. Box 81746-73441, Isfahan, Islamic Republic of Iran

    Giti Emtiazi

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  1. Majid Pirooz
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Correspondence to Amir H. Navarchian.

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Pirooz, M., Navarchian, A.H. & Emtiazi, G. Antibacterial and Structural Properties and Printability of Starch/Clay/Polyethylene Composite Films. J Polym Environ 26, 1702–1714 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10924-017-1056-8

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