Active packaging based on ethylene scavenger PP / organomodified clay nanocomposites

Abstract

Ethylene scavenger active packaging is used for extend the shelf-life of fresh fruits and vegetables. In this work, Na-bentonite was treated with DOEM surfactant in order to prepare organomodified bentonite. The organomodified bentonite was compounded with polypropylene by using SurlynR ionomer as a compatibilizer. Aluminum hydroxide and aluminum acetate were added to the composites to enhance the ethylene removal capacity. The composites were fabricated in the form of packaging film by using the blow film extrusion method. The organomodified bentonite was characterized by using XRD and FT-IR. The dspacing of the organomodified bentonite increased after treating with DOEM surfactant. The ethylene gas removal capacity of organomodified bentonite was determined by Gas Ghromatography. The degradation temperatures of the nanocomposite packaging films were improved. The mechanical properties of nanocomposite packaging films were investigated. Increased organomodified bentonite loading enhanced the elastic modulus but decreased other tensile properties. SEM images showed the dispersion of organomodified bentonite with ethylene scavenger on the nanocomposite films and TEM image showed that both intercalation and exfoliation are occurred in the PP/organomodified bentonite active packaging films. Ethylene gas permeability of the nanocomposite films decreased when compared to polypropylene film.