The use of polymer materials in food packaging field is one of the largest growing market area. Actually the optimization behaviour of packaging permeability is of crucial importance, in order to extend the food shelf-life and to reach the best engineering solution. Studying the permeability characterization of the different polymer material (homogeneous and heterogeneous polymer system) to the different packaging gases, in different environmental condition, is crucial to understand if the selected material is adapted to the chosen food contact field. Temperature and humidity parameters are of crucial importance for food quality preservation, especially in real life situations, like food market, and house long-life use. The aim of this report was to collect information about the state of the art on the permeability characteristics of the polymer packages used on food field.

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Food Packaging Permeability Behaviour: A Report

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is the most used biopolymer for food packaging applications. Several strategies have been made to improve PLA properties for extending its applications in the packaging field. Melt blending approaches are gaining considerable interest since they are easy, cost-effective and readily available processing technologies at the industrial level. With a similar melting temperature and high crystallinity, poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) represents a good candidate to blend with PLA. The ability of PHB to act as a nucleating agent for PLA improves its mechanical resistance and barrier performance. With the dual objective to improve PLAPHB processing performance and to obtain stretchable materials, plasticizers are frequently added. Current trends to enhance PLA-PHB miscibility are focused on the development of composite and nanocomposites. PLA-PHB blends are also interesting for the controlled release of active compounds in the development of active packaging systems. This review explains the most relevant processing aspects of PLA-PHB based blends such as the influence of polymers molecular weight, the PLA-PHB composition as well as the thermal stability. It also summarizes the recent developments in PLA-PHB formulations with an emphasis on their performance with interest in the sustainable food packaging field. PLA-PHB blends shows highly promising perspectives for the replacement of traditional petrochemical based polymers currently used for food packaging.

On the Use of PLA-PHB Blends for Sustainable Food Packaging Applications

Miscibility, properties, and biodegradability of microbial polyester containing blends

Recent advances in the development of biodegradable PHB-based toughening materials: Approaches, advantages and applications.

In spite of the fact that petroleum-based plastics are convenient in terms of fulfilling the performance requirements of many applications, they contribute significantly to a number of ecological and environmental problems. Recently, the public awareness of the negative effects of petroleum-based plastics on the environment has increased. The present utilization of natural resources cannot be sustained forever. Furthermore, oil is often subjected to price fluctuations and will eventually be depleted. The increase in the level of carbon dioxide due to the combustion of fossil fuel is causing global warming. Concerns about preservation of natural resources and climate change are considered worldwide motivations for academic and industrial researchers to reduce the consumption and dependence on fossil fuel. Therefore, bio-based polymers are moving towards becoming the favorable option to be utilized in polymer manufacturing, food packaging, and medical applications. This paper represents an overview of the feasibility of both Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) as alternative materials that can replace petroleum-based polymers in a wide range of industrial applications. Physical, thermal, rheological, and mechanical properties of both polymers as well as their permeability and migration properties have been reviewed. Moreover, PLA's recyclability, sustainability, and environmental assessment have been also discussed. Finally, applications in which both polymers can replace petroleum-based plastics have been explored and provided.

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Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), green alternatives to petroleum-based plastics: a review

The characterization of novel biodegradable blends based on polyhydroxybutyrate: The role of water transport☆

Water transport, structure features and mechanical behavior of biodegradable PHB/PVA blends

Gas transport and characterization of poly(3 hydroxybutyrate) films

With the use of scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and electron paramagnetic resonance, the structural–dynamic analysis of ultrathin fibrous matrixes based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and blend composites of this polymer with chitosan is performed. It is shown that the addition of a small amount of chitosan causes change in the morphologies of the matrixes and leads to a marked increase in their melting enthalpies. It is found that the studied fibers contain amorphous regions with various morphologies. The dynamics of the spin probe TEMPO in these regions is investigated, and its change under the influence of increased temperature, an aqueous medium, and ozone is examined. The mechanism controlling the effects of chitosan, temperature, and an oxidative aggressive medium on the structuring of fibers is advanced.

Nonwoven blend composites based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)–chitosan ultrathin fibers prepared via electrospinning

Structural-dynamic analysis based on combined thermophysical and molecular mobility measurements via spin-probe ESR spectroscopy has been applied to films and fibrous matrixes based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate). The dynamic behaviors of partially crystalline samples during deformation under conditions of electrospinning and cold rolling have been compared. The comparative results of the complex investigation of films and ultrathin fibers in the poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) matrix have shown that the electromechanical action leads to additional crystallization of the crystalline regions, spherulites, and lamellas in the polymer. The changes in the crystalline phase of the polymer are accompanied by an increase in the packing density of macromolecules in the intercrystalline space. With the use of the spin-probe ESR method, the effect of water and the oxidant ozone on the morphology of the amorphous phase of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) ultrathin fibers has been determined. The measurements of the dynamics of spin-probe rotation in samples before and after cold rolling have shown that the additional orientation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) spherulites in a mechanical field results in stabilization of amorphous regions more resistant to the aggressive effects of ozone.

A. A. Ol’khov

Papers

The characterization of novel biodegradable blends based on polyhydroxybutyrate: The role of water transport☆

Water transport, structure features and mechanical behavior of biodegradable PHB/PVA blends

Gas transport and characterization of poly(3 hydroxybutyrate) films

Nonwoven blend composites based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)–chitosan ultrathin fibers prepared via electrospinning

Structural-dynamic characteristics of matrices based on ultrathin poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) fibers prepared via electrospinning