Towards high‐performance biopackaging: barrier and mechanical properties of dual‐action polycaprolactone/zinc oxide nanocomposites |
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Authors: | K Elen M Murariu R Peeters Ph Dubois J Mullens A Hardy M K Van Bael |
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Institution: | 1. Institute for Materials Research (IMO), Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, Hasselt University, , B‐3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium;2. XIOS Hogeschool Limburg, Verpakkingscentrum, , B‐3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium;3. Division IMOMEC, IMEC vzw, , B‐3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium;4. Center of Innovation and Research in Materials & Polymers (CIRMAP), Materia Nova Research Center, Université de Mons, , B‐7000 Mons, Belgium |
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Abstract: | The properties of nanocomposites of biodegradable polycaprolactone containing zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles with diverse morphologies, that is, ZnO nanospheres, nanorods, and nanodisks are investigated. It is demonstrated for the first time that the dual action of the ZnO nanoparticles reduces the gas permeability of the nanocomposites via two mechanisms: first by the creation of a tortuous path and second by gas adsorption. Depending on the morphology of the particles, the oxygen permeability can be reduced by more than 60%. Tensile tests show that the nanocomposites remain very ductile. The nominal strain for all nanocomposites is higher than 500% before fracture occurs. The Young's modulus and tensile strength of the nanocomposites increase at higher ZnO concentrations. This behavior is more pronounced in the case of ZnO nanorods. As a result, the incorporation of ZnO nanoparticles into (bio)polymers provides an opportunity to manufacture polymer‐based nanocomposite materials, resulting in the production of high‐performance (bio)packaging. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
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Keywords: | biodegradable polymer nanocomposite metal oxide gas barrier mechanical properties |
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