Preparation and Mechanical Properties of Poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) Polyvinyl Alcohol/SiO2 Nanocomposite Films for Packaging Applications

By : Venkatesan Raja , Rajeswari Natesan , Thendral Thiyagu

Page No: 93-101

Abstract
The thin films of poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) polyvinyl alcohol/SiO2 nanocomposite have been prepared by solvent casting method. The prepared polymer nanocomposite film was characterized by FT-IR and SEM. Improved dispersion was identified only at (10wt %) SiO2 loading. The tensile strength, elongation at break was investigated in the prepared nanocomposite films. In order to find the suitability of the films for packaging applications, the prepared films were subjected to analyze the antimicrobial properties. The prepared nanofilm by using (PBAT, PVOH and SiO2 ) has showed inhibition activity for S.aureus, P.aeruginosa and E.coli. Based on the results, it is inferred that, the newly prepared nanocomposite films have improved morphological and antimicrobial properties but reduced mechanical properties. The polymer nanocomposite films are expected to have good potential in flexible packaging.

Authors :
Venkatesan Raja, Rajeswari Natesan and Thendral Thiyagu : Department of Printing Technology, College of Engineering Guindy, Anna University, Chennai - 600025, Tamilnadu, India.