Effect of calcium carbonate nanoparticles on barrier properties and biodegradability of polylactic acid

In this study, the effect of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) nanoparticles on the barrier properties and biodegradability of polylactic acid (PLA) was investigated. For this purpose, nanocomposite films with various CaCO3 nanoparticle contents (0, 3, 5, 10, and 15 wt%) were prepared by solution casting method. The gas permeability of nitrogen (N-2), oxygen (O-2), and carbon dioxide (CO2) was evaluated through a constant volume and variable pressure apparatus at different pressures and temperatures. According to results, barrier properties were improved by loading CaCO3 nanoparticles up to 5 wt%, and the gas permeability of CO2, O-2, and N-2 was decreased from 1.4, 0.31, and 0.07 Barrer to 0.48, 0.095, and 0.019 Barrer, respectively. In addition, it was also observed that the gas permeability of samples was decreased by increasing feeding pressure and increased by enhancing temperature. Furthermore, morphological results confirmed the formation of agglomerations and large clusters over 5 wt% CaCO3 nanoparticles. Finally, the thermal properties and biodegradability of PLA were increased by employing CaCO3 nanoparticles. These results suggested PLA nanocomposites as favorable candidates for food packaging applications.