PVA/CNC/TiO2 nanocomposite for food-packaging: Improved mechanical, UV/water vapor barrier, and antimicrobial properties

Although polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a promising biodegradable packaging material, it presents some disadvantages for food packaging such as poor ultraviolet (UV) and water vapor barrier properties, low mechanical strength, poor water resistance, and lack of antimicrobial properties. To overcome these limitations, novel PVA/cellulose nanocrystals (CNC)/titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanocomposites were developed, characterized, and demonstrated for potential food packaging applications. The mechanical strength, water vapor barrier, and UV barrier properties of PVA/CNC/TiO2 5 % film (5 wt% TiO2 in the PVA/CNC matrix with 5 wt% of CNCs) increased by 55.8 %, 45.2 %, and 70,056.8 %, respectively, compared to those of a PVA film. In the antibacterial simulation test, PVA/CNC/TiO2 5 % film could limit the growth of microorganisms for 14 days. In packaging tests with fresh garlic, PVA/CNC/TiO2 films effectively prevented weight loss and spoilage by external influences, indicating the potential of the PVA/CNC/TiO2 nanocomposites for food-packaging applications.