Investigation of the Properties of Biopolymer Composite Films Prepared with Thyme Oil

In this study, to produce fully renewable and biodegradable composite films; acrylate epoxidized soybean oil (AESO) was used as the polymer matrix. Thyme oil (TO), an essential oil with proven antibacterial properties, was added to this biobased matrix structure at different rates (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 wt%). The antibacterial properties of the films obtained were examined and the most suitable ratio was determined. The antibacterial properties of the films were investigated and the most suitable TO ratio was determined. In the second stage of the study, the amount of TO was kept constant and nanocomposite films were obtained by adding nanoclay (NC) at different weight ratios (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 wt%). The antibacterial activity tests of the obtained materials were carried out, their water vapor permeability properties were examined, and also pH, swelling-solubility-water content were examined. While the swelling ratio in water is determined between 0,2437-2,1500%, the water solubility ratio is between 0,1550-0,3100%. In water content, values were in the range of 0,6633-0,8917%. After 72 hours, pH values were measured between 7,23-7,29 and this value is compatible with skin pH. Finally, the values recorded in the range of 1381,9-2,1357x10-10 g.m/(m(2*)Pa*s) in the water vapor permeability test showed that the films had a very low water vapor permeability.