MultIFunctional poLymer cOmposites based on groWn matERials
BRIEF DESCRIPTION:
This project aims to design and develop an active and bio-based packaging technology. New multifunctional inorganic carriers will be synthetized to include several active principles within a biodegradable composite material. The inorganic carriers will be characterized by a novel three-dimensional flower-like structure formally obtained by combining natural halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) with layered double hydroxides (LDHs). This particular structure will allow to use a combination of plant extracts, active molecules, physical agents and enzyme. A new bio-based polymer composite will be developed by combining natural polymers with the HNTs@LDH nano-hybrids. The thermal and mechanical properties will be tuned by adding a natural-plasticizing agent chemical bonded to the LDH@HNT carriers. The transport properties for gas and vapors in the composites will be also characterized and optimized. Some types of fresh fruits and vegetables (with a special attention to the regional/local products) will be packaged in the manufactured objects and analyzed in terms of shelf-life, nutritional quality and safety. Finally, the biodegradability and the environmental impact of the objects obtained will be investigated in different disposal conditions.
KEYWORDS: Food packaging, Shelf life, Bio-based polymers, Nano-hybrids, Active molecules, Halloysite, Hydrotalcite
DIPARTIMENTO: DSCTM
AREA PROGETTUALE: Chimica e Tecnologie dei Materiali
ISTITUTO ESECUTORE DEL PROGETTO: IPCB
SEDE IPCB COINVOLTA: SS NAPOLI/PORTICI
ENTE FINANZIATORE: MINISTERO DELL’UNIVERSITÀ E DELLA RICERCA (PRIN-2017)
DURATA: 01/09/2019 – 15/09/2023
SCIENTIFIC REFERENT FOR IPCB: Andrea Sorrentino
IPCB SCIENTIFIC TEAM MEMBERS: Maria Oliviero
PARTNERS:
Università di Salerno
Università di Cagliari
Università di Sassari
Istituto Scienze delle Produzioni Alimentari (ISPA-CNR)
Istituto per la Tecnologia delle Membrane (ITM-CNR)
WEB:
CONTACT:
Andrea Sorrentino, andrea.sorrentino(-at-)cnr.it
