Antimicrobial studies of nanocomposite films containing different organically modified nanoclays for food packaging

Polymer nanocomposites containing nanoclay have better barrier properties, mechanical strength and thermalstability than traditional polymers and conventional composites and prepared packaging films can provide theantimicrobial properties. In this study, low density polyethylene nanocomposites have been prepared by adding differentpercentages of organically modified nanoclays at 2, 4 and 6 wt.% for packaging film applications. Results showed thatboth doses of 2 and 4 wt.% clay of Cloisite 15A and 20A did not have antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcusaureus but levels of 6 wt.% have antimicrobial activity. All levels of both nanoclays have antimicrobial activity againstE.coli. Cloisite 30B clay type was ineffective against S.aureus, but all the values have antimicrobial activity against E.colimore than the others.

Keywords:

nanocomposite , low density polyethylene , organoclay , antimicrobial properties