Development of PBS/Nano Composite PHB-Based Multilayer Blown Films with Enhanced Properties for Food Packaging...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Sustainable Packaging

Background:

• Conventional plastics pose environmental challenges, driving demand for sustainable alternatives.
• Biobased and biodegradable plastics offer reduced environmental impact and promote sustainability.
• Multilayer blown films are crucial for advanced food packaging applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To produce multilayer blown films with enhanced functional properties for food packaging.
• To investigate the impact of nanoclays (Cloisite® 30B) and processing conditions on film properties.
• To establish correlations between processing, material composition, and film performance.

Main Methods:

• Co-extrusion of a three-layer film configuration: Polybutylene Succinate (PBS) and Polybutylene Succinate Adipate (PBSA) as external/internal layers.
• Incorporation of Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) functional layer with varying Cloisite® 30B nanoclay ratios.
• Manipulation of extruder screw speed and functional layer thickness during processing.

Main Results:

• Optimal polymer/nanofiller dispersion achieved with 5% Cloisite®.
• Improved mechanical strength and barrier properties (reduced oxygen and water vapor permeability) were observed.
• Nanoclay addition led to film stiffening and enhanced barrier performance.

Conclusions:

• The developed biobased films demonstrate enhanced mechanical and barrier properties suitable for food packaging.
• Processing conditions and nanoclay content significantly influence film functionality.
• These materials represent a promising sustainable alternative to conventional food packaging plastics.