Polyethylene/Polycaprolactone Nanocomposite Films for Food Packaging Modified with Magnetite and Casein: Oxygen Barrier, Mechanical, and Thermal Properties

Polyethylene (PE) was modified and prepared as double-layer polyethylene/polycaprolactone (PE/PCL) film. Magnetite and casein were added to the PCL-coating film to improve barrier properties and prevent destruction of basic structure of primary polymer PE. Significant improvements were observed with regards to mechanical (tensile strength, elongation at break) and thermal properties, while barrier (O-2 permeability) properties were slightly improved. Overall migration values into acetic acid were lower (from 1 to 4.6mg/dm(2)) than the upper limit set by the legislation. Specific migration of iron in PE/PCL-Fe samples is also below (mu g/L) specific migration limit value set by the legislation (mg/kg). [GRAPHICS]