High performance iPP based nanocomposites for food packaging application

Abstract

High performance iPP based nanocomposites filled with innovative calcium carbonate nanoparticles (CaCO3) were prepared and structure-properties relationships investigated. In particular nanoparticles characterized by high specific surface area (>200 m 2 /g) and elongated shape were tested as reinforcement nanophase. In order to promote polymer/nanofillers interactions, CaCO3 were coated with two different surface modifiers, polypropylene-maleic anhydride graft copolymer (iPP-g-MA) or fatty acids (FA). Morphological analysis permitted to assess that the presence of iPP-g-MA promotes a stronger adhesion between polymer/CaCO3 with respect to that achieved by using FA as surface modifier. Mechanical analysis evidenced that Young’s modulus increases as a function of nanoparticles content and coating agent nature. Finally, it was observed that the CaCO3 nanoparticles presence drastically reduces the iPP permeability to both oxygen and carbon dioxide.