Effect of TiO2 Nanoparticles on Barrier and Mechanical Properties of PVA Films

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Biosystems Engineering, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Iran

2 Department of Biosystems Engineering, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Iran.

3 Department of Food Additives, Iranian Academic Centre for Education Culture and Research (ACECR), Mashhad, Iran

4 Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Abstract

Nanocomposites made of nanoparticles embedded in the matrix of polymer membranes have been used in the food packaging industry due to their enhanced barrier and mechanical properties. In this study, nanocomposite films made of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (size = 20 nm, 1 and 2 wt%) were prepared by the solvent casting method and their mechanical, physical, and barrier properties were determined. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) were performed for characterizing the morphology of PVA/TiO2 nanocomposite films. Water vapor permeability (WVP) and oxygen transmission rate (OTR) were measured for mixed matrix PVA films for two concentrations of TiO2 nanoparticles. The results revealed that OTR and WVP decreased with increasing TiO2 nanoparticle concentration. Elongation at the break point and Young’s modulus both increased whereas strength decreased. XRD measurements confirmed the completely dispersed structure formed in the TiO2 nanocomposites. SEM micrographs showed an identical distribution at 1 and 2 wt% levels of TiO2 nanoparticles. 

Graphical Abstract

Effect of TiO2 Nanoparticles on Barrier and Mechanical Properties of PVA Films

Highlights

• Effect of TiO2 nanoparticle on the crystallinity of PVA matrix
• Oxygen transfer rate and water vapor permeability of nanocomposite films
• The morphology of nanocomposite films was examined via XRD and SEM
• Applying nano TiO2 influenced the mechanical features

Keywords

Main Subjects