Development and characterization of PET/Fish Gelatin–nanoclay composite/LDPE laminate

A three‐layer laminate film was developed with the following structure: polyethylene terephthalate (PET)/fish gelatin (FG)–nanoclay composite/low‐density polyethylene (LDPE). The FG–nanoclay composite material functioned as the oxygen barrier layer and demonstrated comparable oxygen barrier properties when compared with a similar laminate utilizing ethylene vinyl alcohol as the barrier layer at a relative humidity (RH) of up to 50%. The introduction of nanometer‐sized filler clay into the FG matrix lowered the oxygen permeability (OP) because of the tortuosity effect of the clay particles. In addition, the FG–nanoclay composite film exhibited bond strengths similar to both LDPE and PET. The hydrophilic nature of FG significantly increases OP under high (>50%) RH conditions. However, this new FG laminate film could be a possible alternative for packaging designers desiring a more sustainable packaging material for low‐RH (<50%) applications. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.