Diffusion modeling in polymer–clay nanocomposites for food packaging applications through finite element analysis of TEM images

Influence of the Graphene Filler Nature on the Morphology and Properties of Melt Blended EVOH Based Nanocomposites

In this study, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) nanocomposites elaborated by melt blending with four different fillers were investigated. Two graphene and two graphite fillers displaying various shapes were selected. The morphology, microstructure, thermal, mechanical, and barrier properties of the nanocomposite films prepared for 2 wt% fillers were analyzed with the aim to establish structure–function properties relationships. The nanocomposites properties significantly depended on the nature of the incorporated filler. The nanocomposite film prepared with the expanded graphite filler exhibited the highest Young modulus value (E = 1430 MPa) and the best barrier properties. Indeed, barrier properties, rarely studied at high water activities, evidenced a significant improvement with a decrease of the water vapor permeability by a factor 1.8 and of the oxygen permeabilities by a factor close to 2, for a critical water activity higher than 0.95. An increase of the thermal stability was also evidenced for this nanocomposite. It was shown that for all studied nanocomposites, the properties could be related to the dispersion state of the fillers and the simultaneous increase of the crystallinity of the matrix. A specific equation was proposed to take into account these both parameters to accurately predict the nanocomposite barrier properties.

Preparation, Properties, and Microbial Impact of Tungsten (VI) Oxide and Zinc (II) Oxide Nanoparticles Enriched Polyethylene Sebacate Nanocomposites

Nanoparticles of tungsten oxide (WO₃) and zinc oxide (ZnO) enriched polyethylene sebacate (PES) nanocomposites were prepared through the coprecipitation process and condensation polymerization reaction. The obtained nano-sized particles of WO₃ and ZnO, PES, and nanocomposites (WO₃-PES NC and ZnO-PES NC) were investigated. The average molecular weight of the cured PES was measured by employing the gel permeation chromatography (GPC) technique. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra assured the formation of the polymeric nanocomposites.WO₃ and ZnO nanoparticles supposed a condensed porous spherical phase found implanted in the polymer structure, as detected by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) methods. These nano-scale systems achieved an electrical activity based on the conductive nanoparticles embedded matrix as a result of the ion-ion interactions. The microbial influence of the nanocomposites was examined against pathogenic bacteria; Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis, and Fungi; Aspergillus niger, and Candidaalbicans. Results exhibited that these nanocomposites have antimicrobial effects from moderate to slightly high on bacteria and high on fungi which was confirmed by a clear zone of inhibition. This study contributes to the design of reasonable composites to be under evaluation for their catalytic effect.

Morphological diagram of a nucleating agent/poly(ε-caprolactone) and an in situ barrier strategy

A temperature/composition morphological diagram of nucleating agent/poly(ε-caprolactone) blends to direct in situ formation of flake nucleating agents was constructed.