Morphology, Mechanical and Rheological Properties of Polylactic Acid Nanocomposite Film

Abstract

Most of the presently used plastics for food packaging application are non-biodegradable and causes environmental problems. Many biopolymers can become a great alternative solution to prepare to biodegradable food packaging. Among the all available biopolymer polylactic acid (PLA) is most preferable due to its biodegradability and possesses great potential for food packaging application. However, poor mechanical and rheological properties limit their application, which is to be improved by adding some filers, to replace the conventional plastic. Biodegradable PLA based nanocomposite film was prepared by incorporating calcium phosphate (CaP) nanoparticle by melt mixing method. The size of the CaP nanoparticle was analyzed by Zetasizer Nano ZS90. The morphology of nanocomposites has been studied with the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The SEM result shows the smooth distribution of CaP nanoparticle inside the PLA matrix. Tensile strength and viscosity of nanocomposite film increase with incorporation of calcium phosphate nanoparticle.