DEVELOPMENT OF PHOTODEGRADABLE POLYETHYLENE FILMS FOR FOOD PACKAGING WITH SHELF LIFE IMPROVEMENT

Abstract

Titania and 1% Ag-doped Titania nanoparticles prepared by liquid impregnation method were embedded in polyethylene packagings. Prepared films and nano particles were then characterized through SEM, XRD and EDS analysis. The effect of nano-packings on preservation quality of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) during room temperature storage was investigated. Quality indices of both vegetables; Weight loss, chlorophyll content, moisture content, ascorbic acid, browning index, sensory evaluation and microbial count of packaging materials were determined after 4 days of storage. The results showed that the nano-packing materials containing Ag-Ti had a quite beneficial effect on physicochemical and sensory quality of both vegetables followed by Titania embedded packaging. Moreover weight loss data along with SEM results confirmed photo degradation of nano packagings under artificial light (90days period). Therefore, the photodegradable nano-packagings could be applied as sustainable solution to the plastic waste along with shelf life and quality improvement of food.