Synthesis of clay–TiO2 nanocomposite thin films with barrier and photocatalytic properties for food packaging application

In this study, low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) nanocomposite films with two types of nanoparticles, TiO₂ (3 wt %) and Closite 20A (3 and 5 wt %), were prepared using a melt blow extrusion as an industrial method and their properties such as mechanical properties, water vapor, oxygen and carbon dioxide gas barrier, and antimicrobial activity were tested. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) were also performed to determine the degree of dispersion and exfoliation of nanoparticles. Mechanical test indicated that the reinforcement in the presence of the nanocomposites was more than that with their conventional counterparts, and the highest stiffness was achieved in a sample containing 5 wt % clay and 3 wt % TiO₂. Exfoliation of silicate layers and a good dispersion of TiO₂ nanoparticles in LDPE were achieved as confirmed by XRD and TEM. The gas barrier properties were improved after formation of the nanocomposites especially by insertion of 5 wt % of clay nanoparticles as a filler in the LDPE matrix. The photocatalytic effect of the nanocomposite film was carried out by antimicrobial evaluation against Pseudomonas spp. and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa and by ethylene removal test using 8 W ultraviolet (UV) lamps with a constant relative intensity of 1 mW cm^?2. The greatest effects were recorded by combining UVA illumination and active film. It was also proven that the photocatalyst thin film with improved barrier properties prepared by extrusion could be used in horticultural product packaging applications. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41764.