Nanocomposite Films With Enhanced Mechanical and Preservation Properties by PBAT-Doped Mica Nanosheets for Strawberry Preservation

The utilization of biodegradable polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) presents a hopeful resolution in diminishing dependence on nonbiodegradable plastics. However, the antimicrobial characteristics, mechanical durability, and barrier properties of PBAT-based film need to be improved. The present study demonstrates the fabrication of composite antibacterial films (PMC films) through the incorporation of PBAT with mineral mica powder and clove essential oil (CEO). According to the research, PMC-2 films (the incorporation of 6 wt% mica powder) resulted in a significant improvement in mechanical properties, with an increase in elongation at a break of 111.21% compared to PMC-0 films (no mica). In addition, the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of the films increased from 421.48 to 526.53 g/(m² 24 h) with increasing mica powder content. These films also exhibited prolonged and sustained CEO release with a cumulative release of 65.32% within 10 days, and the capability to block both medium-wave and long-wave ultraviolet radiation. The inclusion of mica powder effectively mitigated weight loss in strawberries, and the films achieved a degradation rate of 58.89% on the 19th day, indicating good biodegradability. These findings suggest that these films are well-suited for food preservation purposes.