Smart packaging from plastic/nanocopper nanocomposite

Abstract

This study is aimed to develop a smart packaging film from polypropylene blown film containing 1 wt.% Bentonite organoclay/copper nanoparticles for barrier and antimicrobial purpose. Copper nanoparticles (CuNP) were synthesized using a one-step synthesis from copper (II) nitrate solution using ascorbic acid as reduction agent and polyvinylpyrrolidone as dispersant. The synthesized CuNPs had the particle size of about 6 nm, and the XRD spectrum confirmed three characteristic diffraction peaks of copper (0). Effect of CuNP content (5, 10, 15 and 20 wt.% of total Nano-fillers) on mechanical properties, thermal properties, and permeability of nanocomposite film was investigated. With the presence of OBEN/CuNP, PP nanocomposite films showed elongation at break in machine direction over 300% but their tensile strength was reduced for about 27 %. Nanoparticles acted as nucleating agents to increase crystallinity of PP films. Water vapour and oxygen permeability were increased with respect to the CuNP contents. PP nanocomposite films would be capable to be used in prepacked chilled fish packaging.