Abstract

This study is about the influence of magnesium oxide (MgO) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles on the morphology, structural, thermal and mechanical properties of the polylactic acid (PLA) films. The pure PLA and PLA nanocomposites were prepared using a cost-effective film applicator at 2 and 5 wt% of nanofillers. The dispersity and elements were examined by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy. For 2 wt% of nanofiller in the film, the agglomeration of nanoparticles was not observed, whereas for higher weight percentages agglomeration took place. X-ray diffraction study confirms the improved crystallinity of PLA at 2 wt% nanofillers. Thermal analysis of PLA composite films confirms that the values of glass transition (T-g), crystallization (T-c) and melting temperature (T-m) increased for 2 wt% and decreased for 5 wt% nanofillers. At 2 wt%, the glass transition temperatures of PLA/ZnO and PLA/MgO nanocomposite films are 63 and 62 DEG;C, respectively. Further, the tensile test confirms that 2 wt% of nanofiller-incorporated PLA films have better properties than 5 wt% of nanofiller due to the better dispersion of nanoparticles. At 2 wt% of MgO and ZnO nanoparticles, tensile strength (T-s) was increased to 19.4 +/- 0.97 and 22 +/- 1.1 MPa, respectively. The prepared PLA nanocomposite films with improved thermal and mechanical properties can be utilized in food packaging applications.