Ecofriendly Preparation and Characterization of a Cassava Starch/Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate Film

Composite films of polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) were prepared by adding thermoplastic starch (TPS) (TPS/PBAT) and nano-zinc oxide (nano-ZnO) (TPS/PBAT/nano-ZnO). The changes of surface morphology, thermal properties, crystal types and functional groups of starch during plasticization were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, synchronous thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectrometry, mechanical property tests, and contact Angle and transmittance tests. The relationship between the addition of TPS and the tensile strength, transmittance, contact angle, water absorption, and water vapor barrier of the composite film, and the influence of nano-ZnO on the mechanical properties and contact angle of the 10% TPS/PBAT composite film. Experimental results show that, after plasticizing, the crystalline form of starch changed from A-type to V-type, the functional group changed and the lipophilicity increased; the increase of TPS content, the light transmittance and mechanical properties of the composite membrane decreased, while the water vapor transmittance and water absorption increased. The mechanical properties of the composite can be significantly improved by adding nano-ZnO at a lower concentration (optimum content is 1 wt%).

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Fabrication of Composite Films Based on Chitosan and Vegetable-Tanned Collagen Fibers Crosslinked with Genipin

Journal of the American Leather Chemists Association ◽

10.34314/jalca.v116i10.4616 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 116 (10) ◽

Author(s):

Jie Liu ◽

Yanchun Liu ◽

Eleanor M. Brown ◽

Zhengxin Ma ◽

Cheng-Kung Liu

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Properties ◽

Thermal Stability ◽

Water Vapor ◽

Composite Film ◽

Composite Films ◽

Value Added ◽

Water Vapor Permeability ◽

Vapor Permeability ◽

Leather Industry ◽

Compact Structure

The leather industry generates considerable amounts of solid waste and raises many environmental concerns during its disposal. The presence of collagen in these wastes provides a potential protein source for the fabrication of bio-based value-added products. Herein, a novel composite film was fabricated by incorporating vegetable-tanned collagen fiber (VCF), a mechanically ground powder-like leather waste, into a chitosan matrix and crosslinked with genipin. The obtained composite film showed a compact structure and the hydrogen bonding interactions were confirmed by FTIR analysis, indicating a good compatibility between chitosan and VCF. The optical properties, water absorption capacity, thermal stability, water vapor permeability and mechanical properties of the composite films were characterized. The incorporation of VCF into chitosan led to significant decreases in opacity and solubility of the films. At the same time, the mechanical properties, water vapor permeability and thermal stability of the films were improved. The composite film exhibited antibacterial activity against food-borne pathogens. Results from this research indicated the potential of the genipin-crosslinked chitosan/VCF composites for applications in antimicrobial packaging.

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The Mechanical Properties and Hydrophilicity of Poly(L-Lactide)/Laponite Composite Film

Advanced Materials Research ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/amr.706-708.340 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 706-708 ◽

pp. 340-343 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Hong Li Li ◽

Guo Xian Zhou ◽

Yu Kai Shan ◽

Ming Long Yuan

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Properties ◽

Contact Angle ◽

Tensile Strength ◽

Composite Film ◽

Composite Films ◽

Complexing Agent ◽

Mechanical Measurement ◽

Water Contact ◽

Solution Blending ◽

Method Of Solution

Abatract: The poly (L-lactide)/laponite composite films are prepared by the method of solution blending with polylactide (PLA) and laponite. The results show that when laponite content was lower than 0.2 %( mass w/w), laponite can be uniform dispersed in PLA and the composed material had good stability. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) study demonstrates that PLA was successfully incorporated with laponite by Si-O bond. The mechanical measurement reveals that the tensile strength of PLA/laponite composite film has been increased with compared to pure PLA. The water contact angle (WCA) tests indicate that the hydrophobicity of the laponite modified PLA films can be improved. The present study reveals that the laponite as a complexing agent can improve the mechanical properties and hydrophilicity of PLA.

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Application of Solution Blow Spinning for Rapid Fabrication of Gelatin/Nylon 66 Nanofibrous Film

Foods ◽

10.3390/foods10102339 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (10) ◽

pp. 2339

Author(s):

Zhichao Yang ◽

Chaoyi Shen ◽

Yucheng Zou ◽

Di Wu ◽

Hui Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Properties ◽

Water Vapor ◽

Composite Film ◽

Food Packaging ◽

Composite Films ◽

Water Vapor Permeability ◽

Vapor Permeability ◽

Nylon 66 ◽

Rapid Fabrication ◽

Solution Blow Spinning

Gelatin (GA) is a natural protein widely used in food packaging, but its fabricated fibrous film has the defects of a high tendency to swell and inferior mechanical properties. In this work, a novel spinning technique, solution blow spinning (SBS), was used for the rapid fabrication of nanofiber materials; meanwhile, nylon 66 (PA66) was used to improve the mechanical properties and the ability to resist dissolution of gelatin films. Morphology observations show that GA/PA66 composite films had nano-diameter from 172.3 to 322.1 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray indicate that GA and PA66 had strong interaction by hydrogen bonding. Mechanical tests show the elongation at break of the composite film increased substantially from 7.98% to 30.36%, and the tensile strength of the composite film increased from 0.03 MPa up to 1.42 MPa, which indicate that the composite films had the highest mechanical strength. Water vapor permeability analysis shows lower water vapor permeability of 9.93 g mm/m2 h kPa, indicates that GA/PA66 film’s water vapor barrier performance was improved. Solvent resistance analysis indicates that PA66 could effectively improve the ability of GA to resist dissolution. This work indicates that SBS has great promise for rapid preparation of nanofibrous film for food packaging, and PA66 can be applied to the modification of gelatin film.

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Preparation and Characterization of Chitosan–Nano-ZnO Composite Films for Preservation of Cherry Tomatoes

Foods ◽

10.3390/foods10123135 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (12) ◽

pp. 3135

Author(s):

Yu Li ◽

Yu Zhou ◽

Zhouli Wang ◽

Rui Cai ◽

Tianli Yue ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antibacterial Activity ◽

Composite Film ◽

Composite Films ◽

Antibacterial Properties ◽

Chitosan Film ◽

Light Transmittance ◽

Soluble Solid Content ◽

Nano Zno ◽

Chitosan Composite ◽

Cherry Tomatoes

Chitosan is widely used as a natural preservative of fruits and vegetables, but its poor mechanical and water resistances have limited its application. Therefore, in this study, we prepared chitosan composite films by incorporating different amounts of nano-zinc oxide (nano-ZnO) to improve the mechanical properties of chitosan. We also assessed the antibacterial activity of these films against selected microorganisms. The addition of nano-ZnO improved the tensile strength (TS) and elongation at break (EAB) of the chitosan films and reduced their light transmittance. TS and EAB increased from 44.64 ± 1.49 MPa and 5.09 ± 0.38% for pure chitosan film to 46.79 ± 1.65 MPa and 12.26 ± 0.41% for a 0.6% nano-ZnO composite film, respectively. The ultraviolet light transmittance of composite films containing 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6% nano-ZnO at 600 nm decreased from 88.2% to 86.0%, 82.7%, and 81.8%, respectively. A disc diffusion test showed that the composite film containing 0.6% nano-ZnO had the strongest antibacterial activity against Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella. In a 15-day preservation study, chitosan composite films containing 0.6% nano-ZnO maintained the soluble solid content of cherry tomatoes, effectively inhibited their respiration, and exhibited good antibacterial properties against the selected microorganisms. Overall, the prepared chitosan nano-ZnO composite film showed a good preservation effect on cherry tomatoes.

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Rational Design of Ag/ZnO Hybrid Nanoparticles on Sericin/Agarose Composite Film for Enhanced Antimicrobial Applications

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22010105 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

pp. 105

Author(s):

Wanting Li ◽

Zixuan Huang ◽

Rui Cai ◽

Wan Yang ◽

Huawei He ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Properties ◽

Antimicrobial Activity ◽

Composite Film ◽

Water Absorption ◽

Rational Design ◽

Hybrid Nanoparticles ◽

Gram Negative Bacteria ◽

Gram Positive ◽

Gram Negative ◽

X Ray

Silver-based hybrid nanomaterials are receiving increasing attention as potential alternatives for traditional antimicrobial agents. Here, we proposed a simple and eco-friendly strategy to efficiently assemble zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on sericin-agarose composite film to impart superior antimicrobial activity. Based on a layer-by-layer self-assembly strategy, AgNPs and ZnO were immobilized on sericin-agarose films using the adhesion property of polydopamine. Scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray powder diffraction spectroscopy were used to show the morphology of AgNPs and ZnO on the surface of the composite film and analyze the composition and structure of AgNPs and ZnO, respectively. Water contact angle, swelling ratio, and mechanical property were determined to characterize the hydrophilicity, water absorption ability, and mechanical properties of the composite films. In addition, the antibacterial activity of the composite film was evaluated against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The results showed that the composite film not only has desirable hydrophilicity, high water absorption ability, and favorable mechanical properties but also exhibits excellent antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It has shown great potential as a novel antimicrobial biomaterial for wound dressing, artificial skin, and tissue engineering.

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Study of the Preparation and Properties of TPS/PBSA/PLA Biodegradable Composites

Journal of Composites Science ◽

10.3390/jcs5020048 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

pp. 48

Author(s):

Yuxuan Wang ◽

Yuke Zhong ◽

Qifeng Shi ◽

Sen Guo

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Properties ◽

Heat Resistance ◽

Thermoplastic Starch ◽

Sem Analysis ◽

Infrared Spectrometry ◽

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry ◽

Melt Mixing ◽

Two Phase ◽

Biodegradable Composites ◽

Phase Compatibility

Thermoplastic starch/butyl glycol ester copolymer/polylactic acid (TPS/PBSA/PLA) biodegradable composites were prepared by melt-mixing. The structure, microstructure, mechanical properties and heat resistance of the TPS/PBSA/PLA composites were studied by Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), tensile test and thermogravimetry tests, respectively. The results showed that PBSA or PLA could bind to TPS by hydrogen bonding. SEM analysis showed that the composite represents an excellent dispersion and satisfied two-phase compatibility when the PLA, TPS and PBSA blended by a mass ration of 10, 30, and 60. The mechanical properties and the heat resistance of TPS/PBSA/PLA composite were improved by adding PLA with content less than 10%, according to the testing results.

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Expanded vermiculite-filled flexible polymer composites

Journal of Elastomers & Plastics ◽

10.1177/00952443211029038 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 009524432110290

Author(s):

Mukaddes Sevval Cetin ◽

Ozan Toprakci ◽

Omer Suat Taskin ◽

Abdullah Aksu ◽

Hatice Aylin Karahan Toprakci

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Properties ◽

Thermal Stability ◽

Contact Angle ◽

Polymer Composites ◽

Flame Retardancy ◽

Composite Films ◽

Filler Concentration ◽

High Shear ◽

Flexible Polymer ◽

Shear Mixing

This study focuses on the fabrication and characterization of vermiculite-filled flexible polymer composites. Exfoliated vermiculite was incorporated into triblock thermoplastic elastomer copolymer, styrene- b-(ethylene- co-butylene)- b-styrene (SEBS), at various levels from 1 to 15 wt% by a high shear mixer. The composite films were obtained by the combination of solvent casting and compression molding. The morphological, structural, thermal, and mechanical properties and contact angle of the composites were determined. Some micro-morphological differences were observed between the samples and the difference was assumed to be caused by high shear mixing and filler concentration. High shear mixing was found effective in terms of the detachment of vermiculite layers at all concentrations. However, at low filler loading, that behavior was more obvious. At 1 wt% filler concentration, mechanical properties increased that was probably caused by good filler-matrix interaction stemmed from smaller particle size. At higher vermiculite concentrations, fillers found to show agglomerations that led to a decrease in mechanical strength and strain at break. Elastic and secant modulus showed an increasing trend. Contact angle measurements were carried out to determine the oleophilic character of the samples. An increase in the vermiculite content resulted in higher oleophilic character and the lowest contact angle was obtained at 15 wt% VMT loading. In addition to these, thermal stability, thermal dimensional stability and flame retardancy were improved by the incorporation of VMT. 15 wt% vermiculite-filled sample showed the best performance in terms of thermal stability and flame retardancy.

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Effect of temperature on composite films made with activated carbon, graphite, or graphene oxide (GO) in a gelatin matrix

BioResources ◽

10.15376/biores.16.1.77-95 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

pp. 77-95

Author(s):

Siqiao Yang ◽

Haichao Li

Keyword(s):

Contact Angle ◽

Activated Carbon ◽

Water Absorption ◽

Composite Films ◽

Effect Of Temperature ◽

Gelatin Matrix ◽

Vapour Permeability ◽

Blending Method ◽

The Matrix ◽

Different Temperatures

Activated carbon, graphite, and GO/gelatin composite films were prepared by the blending method. The properties of composites were characterized by tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (EB), water vapour permeability (WVP), water-absorption ability, contact angle, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and moisture at different temperatures. The properties of GO/gelatin composite films were better when each of three kinds of carbon materials were used as reinforcement phases and added into the matrix gelatin. The results showed that EB and TS of GO/gelatin composite films were both excellent. The moisture of GO/gelatin composite films was greater than the others. SEM micrographs showed that GO had better compatibility and dispersibility with gelatin than activated carbon and graphite. The water absorption of GO/gelatin composite films were low, at 15 °C and 25 °C, and the WVP was low at 35 °C. The WVP of GO/gelatin composite films was lower than the others at different temperatures. The contact angle of GO/gelatin composite films was larger than the others.

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Effect of High Pressure Treatment on Poly(lactic acid)/Nano–TiO2 Composite Films

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules23102621 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 23 (10) ◽

pp. 2621 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Hai Chi ◽

Wenhui Li ◽

Chunli Fan ◽

Cheng Zhang ◽

Lin Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Properties ◽

High Pressure ◽

Lactic Acid ◽

Composite Film ◽

Composite Films ◽

Barrier Properties ◽

Poly Lactic Acid ◽

Pressure Treatment ◽

Nano Tio2 ◽

High Pressure Treatment

The microstructure, thermal properties, mechanical properties and oxygen and water vapor barrier properties of a poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/nano-TiO2 composite film before and after high pressure treatment were studied. Structural analysis showed that the functional group structure of the high pressure treated composite film did not change. It was found that the high pressure treatment did not form new chemical bonds between the nanoparticles and the PLA. The micro-section of the composite film after high pressure treatment became very rough, and the structure was depressed. Through the analysis of thermal and mechanical properties, high pressure treatment can not only increase the strength and stiffness of the composite film, but also increase the crystallinity of the composite film. Through the analysis of barrier properties, it is found that the barrier properties of composite films after high pressure treatment were been improved by the applied high pressure treatment.

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Mechanically Robust Flexible Multilayer Aramid Nanofibers and MXene Film for High-Performance Electromagnetic Interference Shielding and Thermal Insulation

Nanomaterials ◽

10.3390/nano11113041 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (11) ◽

pp. 3041

Author(s):

Jun Zhou ◽

Junsheng Yu ◽

Dongyu Bai ◽

Huili Liu ◽

Lu Li

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Properties ◽

Composite Film ◽

Electromagnetic Interference ◽

Multilayer Structure ◽

High Performance ◽

Composite Films ◽

Next Generation ◽

Shielding Effectiveness ◽

Breaking Strain ◽

Practical Applications

In order to overcome the various defects caused by the limitations of solid metal as a shielding material, the development of electromagnetic shielding materials with flexibility and excellent mechanical properties is of great significance for the next generation of intelligent electronic devices. Here, the aramid nanofiber/Ti3C2Tx MXene (ANF/MXene) composite films with multilayer structure were successfully prepared through a simple alternate vacuum-assisted filtration (AVAF) process. With the intervention of the ANF layer, the multilayer-structure film exhibits excellent mechanical properties. The ANF2/MXene1 composite film exhibits a tensile strength of 177.7 MPa and a breaking strain of 12.6%. In addition, the ANF5/MXene4 composite film with a thickness of only 30 μm exhibits an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding efficiency of 37.5 dB and a high EMI-specific shielding effectiveness value accounting for thickness (SSE/t) of 4718 dB·cm2 g−1. Moreover, the composite film was excellent in heat-insulation performance and in avoiding light-to-heat conversion. No burning sensation was produced on the surface of the film with a thickness of only 100 μm at a high temperature of 130 °C. Furthermore, the surface of the film was only mild when touched under simulated sunlight. Therefore, our multilayer-structure film has potential significance in practical applications such as next-generation smart electronic equipment, communications, and military applications.

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