Oxygen Barrier Properties of PHA-Based Bio-blend Flexible Packaging Films Prepared by Blown Extrusion

Yolaçan Ö., Çokkuvvetli A. T., Deniz S.

38th International Conference of Polymer Processing Society, Sankt Gallen, İsviçre, 22 - 26 Mayıs 2023, ss.229

  • Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Özet Bildiri
  • Basıldığı Şehir: Sankt Gallen
  • Basıldığı Ülke: İsviçre
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.229
  • Yıldız Teknik Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Today, the use of biopolymers in the flexible packaging industry has become very important in terms

of sustainability and climate crisis. Biopolymer market is expected to grow from 2.08 million tons in

2020 to 7.59 million tons in 2026. Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) is a family of bio-polyesters commonly

accumulated by many bacteria, consisting of the following polyesters: poly-3-hydroxybutylate (PHB),

poly-3-hydroxyvalerate (PHV), as well as their isomeric polymers and copolymer.

In this study, amorphous grade of PHA was blended for three ratios with both poly(lactic acid) (PLA)

and polybutylene succinate (PBS) by using twin screw extrusion. Then, blown film extrusion studies

were carried out to determine the optimum ratio for the neat PHA/PLA and PHA/PBS compounds.

After the optimum ratios have been determined, the changes in the mechanical, barrier especially

oxygen (OTR) and optical properties of bio-blends with the addition of 1 phr PLA chain extender for

PHA/PLA, 1 phr Joncryl ADR 4468 plasticizer for PHA/PBS and both reinforcing sepiolite at 3 phr were

investigated in particular for flexible packaging. The optimum ratios for both studies were determined

according to the reference thickness polyethylene film specifications by characterization tests. The

antimicrobial effect on the films were examined by adding functional graphene oxide to the option,

which provides the most flexible packaging quality for both PHA/PLA and PHA/PBS blends.