Characterization of ZnO/polyhydroxyalkanoate nanocomposites for packaging applications fabricated using melt-processing and centrifugal fiber spinning

Abstract

Innovative polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolymers are among the main drivers of growth in the field of biobased and biodegradable plastics, with production capacities estimated to increase in the coming years. PHA polymer processing has been studied using different techniques, tough the relationship between specific processing parameters and mechanical performance remains to be further elucidated. Especially for the fabrication of nanocomposite films, different processing conditions can influence the dispersion of the nanoparticles in the polymer. We have produced zinc oxide (ZnO)/PHA nanocomposite films using a combination of dry mixing polymer powder and nanoparticles, twin-screw extrusion and compression molding. Alternatively, nanoparticles were incorporated during centrifugal fiber spinning and nanocomposite films were produced from these fibers. Finally, the functionality of the ZnO/PHA nanocomposite films was investigated for use as flexible packaging material based on mechanical, thermal, optical and barrier properties.