Composite PLA films incorporated with micro/nano boron nitride for sustainable food packaging Available to Purchase

This study aims to develop polylactic acid (PLA)–based composite films with improved mechanical and barrier properties through incorporation of micro boron nitride (BN) and nano boron nitride (NBN). PLA-based films were produced using BN and NBN at varying concentrations (1%–10% (w/w)) and characterized in terms of physical (color and thickness), mechanical (tensile strength, elongation at break, and heat seal strength), barrier (water vapor transmission rate (WVTR)), antimicrobial, and morphological properties. ΔE and whiteness of the composite PLA films increased, while transparency decreased with increased BN and NBN concentrations. Compared with the control PLA films, the tensile strength of the 1% BN- or NBN-added films increased by 28% or 40%, respectively. Adding BN and NBN to the PLA matrix significantly reduced the WVTR (p ≤ 0.05). Antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was not detected. Multivariate data analysis enabled discrimination of composite PLA films based on simultaneous evaluation of their specific film characteristics. This study reveals the ideal film formulation to produce boron nitride–incorporated composite PLA films with proper properties, holding potential to be used as an alternative biodegradable material for sustainable packaging of foods to replace petroleum-based materials.