Page 49 - PR 2014 2016 10 Materials and Nanotechnology

Materials and Nanotechnology | Progress Report 325

Development of flexible packaging improved in order to extend the shelf life of
material based on biodegradable polymer packaged dry food. In conclusion, it may be
reinfoced with micro and nanoparticle claimed that PBAT/PLA/iPLA Flexible Films
from natural resources reinforced with nanowhiskers produced ac-

cording to the methodology developed in this
Flexible film based on biodegradable blend research are suitable materials for dry food
prepared from of poli(butileno adipato-co-te- packaging application, when compared with
reftalato) “PBAT” and Poly Lactic Acid “PLA”, packaging material commercially used for
(PBAT/PLA Blend) and reinforced with micro this purpose, but has the advantage of being
and nanofillers from natural resources were produced from biodegradable polymers and
prepared by melting extrusion process, us- reinforced with micro and nanoparticles ob-
ing a twin-screw extruder Haake Rheomex tained from renewable waste.
P332, L/D 25 and blow extrusion (laboratory
line). The flexible films were characterized by Development flexible packaging materials
mechanical tests, Oxygen transmission rate based on conventional polymer (polymer
(OTR), Water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), petroleum-derived) with addition of
XRD, SEM, SEM-FEG, TG and DSC analysis ( Brazilian clay, graphene and also ionizing
Figure. 57). radiation treatment

Flexible film based on Ethylene–vinyl alcohol
copolymer (EVOH) and Poly [(ethylene)-co-(vi-
nyl acetate)] (EVA) with Brazilian Clay addition
(1-3 wt.%) were prepared by melting extrusion
process, using a twin-screw extruder Haake
Rheomex P332, L/D 25 and blow extrusion
(laboratory line). The flexible films were char-
acterized by mechanical tests, Oxygen trans-
Figure 57 (a/b). Flexible Films based on PBAT/PLA/iPLA blend and
PBAT/PLA/iPLA reinforced with microcrystalline cellulose and mission rate (OTR), Water vapor transmission
nanowhiskers.
rate (WVTR), XRD, SEM, SEM-FEG, TG and DSC
analysis (Figure 58).
The results showed an important gain in ten-
sile strength at break, elongation at break and The results showed that incorporation of 1- 3 %
Young modulus properties of blend due to ad- (wt.%) of Brazilian clay in the EVOH, or EVA ma-
dition of bio-CaCO micro and nanoparticles, trix, resulted in a gain of mechanical properties
3
Brazilian clay, green silica nanoparticles and
cellulose nanowhiskers. However, based on test Figure 58. Flexible
Films based on
results, it may be claimed that the produced EVOH and EVA
PBAT/PLA/iPLA/Nanowiskers flexible films reinforced with
Brazilian Clay.
presented superior mechanical properties than
commercial LDPE/PA/LDPE structure and with
mechanical properties close to commercial PE/
PP structures, both used as dry food packaging
materials. However, the vapor transmission
rate (MVTR) characteristics still needs to be