Development and Characterization of Eco-Friendly Poly(Butylene Adipate-Co-Terephthalate) (PBAT)/Orange Peel Powder Films for Active Packaging Applications

Abstract

Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) is a renewable, biodegradable polymer produced from natural materials, providing a sustainable alternative with similar qualities and less environmental effect. This work investigates the augmentation of PBAT by the incorporation of dried orange peel waste powder (OPWP), a plentiful resource abounding in bioactive constituents. Composite films of PBAT/OPWP were fabricated using solution casting at 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt.% OPWP and assessed for food packaging applications. The films exhibited thermal stability, optical clarity, water barrier characteristics, mechanical strength, antibacterial activity, and antioxidant effects. The PBAT/20 wt.% OPWP composite demonstrated enhanced UV-B light attenuation at 320 nm, mitigating photochemical deterioration. Film thickness and tensile strength augmented by 29% and 19%, respectively, with elevated OPWP content; nevertheless, elongation at break diminished. The composites exhibited significant antibacterial activity against foodborne pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) and notable antioxidant capabilities. The biodegradability significantly enhanced, with the PBAT/20 wt.% OPWP film attaining a weight loss of 76.43% after 21 days. In actual testing, this composite prolonged the freshness of banana slices for 7 days, surpassing pure PBAT and commercial polyethylene films. These results underscore the promise of PBAT/OPWP composites for eco-friendly food packaging.