Sustainable food packaging using modified SiO2 nanofillers in biodegradable polymers

Mikhail Koreshkov (Corresponding author), Sebastian J. Antreich, Alexander Bismarck, Ines Fritz, Erik Reimhult, Yuuki Takatsuna, Ronald Zirbs (Corresponding author)

Publications: Contribution to journalArticlePeer Reviewed

Abstract

The need to switch to bio-based, biodegradable and/or fully recyclable polymers is becoming increasingly clear, especially in the area of food packaging, which is a major contributor to plastic pollution. To meet this challenge, biodegradable polymers must not only be economically viable, but also have properties that match or better those of conventional fossil-based polymers, such as robust mechanical strength and efficient gas barrier properties. One promising route is the production of composite materials from biodegradable polymers and SiO2 nanoparticles. However, the high surface energy of SiO2 often leads to agglomeration of the filler in the hydrophobic polymer matrix, which compromises the integrity of the composite. Here we present an innovative approach in which the surface of silica nanoparticles is modified with l-lactic acid oligomers (OLLA), effectively reducing the agglomeration of the filler and improving processability. Using conventional polymer processing methods that comply with industry standards, we prepared PLLA and PHBV nanocomposites and evaluated the effectiveness of the modification using a novel SBF-SEM technique. Our results show that modified silica achieves better dispersion in the polymer matrix and yields 70% more independent particles in the nanocomposite. The introduction of OLLA-g-SiO2 increases the oxygen barrier of PLLA by 38% while accelerating the biodegradation rate and improving the toughness of the eco-friendly nanocomposites. This innovative approach offers a sustainable solution that is set to revolutionise the landscape of green food packaging.

Original languageEnglish
Article number00206
Pages (from-to)2754-2763
Number of pages10
JournalMaterials Chemistry Frontiers
Volume8
Issue number16
Early online date2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 28 Jun 2024

Austrian Fields of Science 2012

  • 205019 Material sciences
  • 210006 Nanotechnology

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