Study on Effects of ZnO Nanoparticles on Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Polylactic Acid for use in Food and Drug Packaging

In this research, polylactic acid/zinc oxide nanocomposites with modified thermal and mechanical properties 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 on thermal properties of nanocomposites was studied. It was found that introduction of nano ZnO at its optimum content has modified mechanical and thermal properties of the nanocomposite and silane modification has increased ductility of the nanocomposite