Effect of Zeolite on Mechanical and Barrier Properties of PBAT Films for Life Extension of Agricultural Products

In this research, the biodegradable film of poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) would be used as the polymer matrix. The influence of zeolite (as the filler) type and content were investigated on the mechanical and barrier properties of film packaging. Zeolite was treated with (3-aminopropyl) trimethoxy silane. Films were produced by cast film extruder. Effects of different types of zeolite (5A and 13X) as well as zeolite loading (1-5 wt%) on mechanical properties and permeability of gases (oxygen, carbon dioxide and water vapor) of PBAT composites films have been extensively studied. Tensile properties of PBAT incorporated with zelolite 5A are higher than the one with zeolite 13X. In addition, increasing zeolite content into PBAT film is likely to improve Young’s modulus with the sacrifices of both tensile strength and percentage of elongation at break of PBAT film. For barrier properties, PBAT/zeolite 5A possessed lower permeation both of oxygen and carbon dioxide gases than PBAT/zeolite 13X. The effect of zeolite content plays a major role on oxygen and carbon dioxide permeability of composite films. PBAT/zeolite composite film could certainly extend the ripening period of Homthong bananas for approximately longer than one week.