Creation of synergistic effect among raw materials in biodegradable films with novel, designed ZnO particles

ABSTRACT

The use of biodegradable polymers in packaging and wound dressing holds great potential for sustainability and a green economy. However, many applications also require high mechanical, thermal and UV-barrier properties. Although nano-metal oxide powders with different morphologies have been tested to meet expectations, the problem of toxicity and uncontrolled agglomeration could not be eliminated. A systematic study of the type of raw materials used and the effects of the amount used remained incomplete. Therefore, the research objective of this study is to interpret the effects of the type of raw materials and the amount of use on the mechanism of synergistic action in achieving the desired properties. The results show the importance of the amount of PVA-glycerol and the molar weight of chitosan for MicNo®-ZnO powder doped biodegradable films with new morphology; that includes the advantages of both micron and nano size, to have more effective UV-barrier, mechanical and thermal properties.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Chitosan
• glycerol
• Polyvinyl alcohol
• thermal stability
• UV-blocking
• Zinc oxide

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Acknowledgments

This research was supported financially by the Eskişehir Technical University Scientific Research Projects Commission (Project number: 20DRP036). The fruitful discussions provided by Prof. Dr. Murat Erdem and Mustafa Erdem Üreyen throughout this study are greatly acknowledged.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Yeliz Köse

Yeliz Köse is a research assistant at Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University. Topics of interest are nanomaterials, MicNo particles and biodegradable materials.

Ender Suvacı

Ender Suvacı Founder & CTO at ENTEKNO Materials; Professor of Materials Science at Eskisehir Technical University.Topics of interest are particle synthesis, ceramic processing, nanomaterials, MicNo particles and textured ceramics.