Technological watch

Smart steam release of newly developed temperature-responsive nanocomposite films derived from phase change material

The effect of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) incorporated in the poly(ether-block-amide) (PEBAX)/polyethylene glycol (PEG) matrix on phase transition temperature and steam-release behavior of PEBAX/PEG/HNT nanocomposite films were investigated. The physical and thermal properties and overall migration (OM) of nanocomposite films were evaluated. The introduction of HNTs into PEBAX/PEG matrix resulted in morphological changes. The water diffusion rate increased with increasing HNT content, whereas the water sorption remained unchanged. The phase transition temperature of PEG decreased with increasing HNT content, which affected steam-release behavior. The nanocomposite films with a low HNT content (5–10%) released steam near the phase transition temperature of PEG without film rupture. The residues that migrated from the nanocomposite films immersed in food simulants were below the stipulated overall migration limit. Therefore, these novel temperature-responsive nanocomposite films can be used as a smart steam-release packaging material for the safe reheating of packaged foods or sterilization of biomedical products.

Publication date: 26/03/2021

Author: Sarinthip Thanakkasaranee, Kambiz Sadeghi, Jongchul Seo

Polymer



      

This project has received funding from the Bio Based Industries Joint Undertaking under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 837761.