Laponite vs. Montmorillonite as Eugenol Nanocarriers for Low Density Polyethylene Active Packaging Films

Although a lot of recent research revealed advantages of novel biopolymers' implementation as active food packaging polymers, there is not an equivalent effort from industry to use such films, probably because of the required cost to change the supply chain and the equipment. This study investigates the use of two natural abundant nanoclays, laponite (Lap) and montmorillonite (Mt), as eugenol slow-release carriers for enhancing the functionality of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) active packaging films. The target is to combine the spirit of the circular economy with the existent technology and the broadly used materials to develop a novel attractive product for active food packaging applications. Utilizing a vacuum-assisted adsorption method, eugenol was successfully intercalated into Lap and Mt nanoclays, forming EG@Lap and EG@Mt nanohybrids. Testing results confirmed effective integration and dispersion of the nanohybrids within the LDPE matrix. The most promising final film seems to be the LDPE with 15% w/w EG@Lap nanohybrid which exhibited a higher release rate (k₂ = 5.29 × 10^-4 s^-1) for temperatures ≤70 °C, similar mechanical properties, a significantly improved water barrier (D_wv = 11.7 × 10^-5 cm²·s^-1), and a slightly improved oxygen barrier (Pe_O2 = 2.03 × 10^-8 cm²·s^-1) compared with neat LDPE. Antimicrobial and sensory tests on fresh minced pork showed two days' shelf-life extension compared to pure LDPE and one more day compared to LDPE with 15% w/w EG@Mt nanohybrid.