Study on Effects of ZnO Nanoparticles on UV Barrier Properties of Polylactic Acid for use in Food Packaging

In this research, polylactic acid/zinc oxide nanocomposites with less ultraviolet (UV) transmittance were prepared using different amounts of nano ZnO (0.5, 2, 3.5 and 5 wt%), for use in biodegradable packaging.On the other hand, the effect of surface modification of ZnO nanoparticles using 3-aminopropyl triethoxy silane and triethoxy vinyl silane UV transmittance of nanocomposites was studied. It was found that presence of zinc oxide nanoparticles, reduced the UV transition from the film. The surface modification of ZnO nanoparticles, especially in the case of triethoxy vinyl silane, enhanced this effect.