Alkaline halloysite nanotubes/low density polyethylene nanocomposite films with increased ethylene absorption capacity: Applications in cherry tomato packaging. (September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Boonsiriwit, Athip; Xiao, Yao; Joung, Jaewon; Kim, Minhwi; Singh, Suman; Lee, Youn Suk
• Is Part Of: Food packaging and shelf life. Volume 25(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-09
• Subjects: Alkaline halloysite nanotubes -- Ethylene adsorption -- Cherry tomato -- Shelf life -- Active packaging; Food -- Packaging -- Periodicals; Food -- Preservation -- Periodicals; Food -- Packaging; Periodicals; 664.0905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fpsl.2020.100533
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2214-2894

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: LDPE film incorporated with ALK-HNTs was successfully developed. Gas barrier and crystallinity of composite film was improved. ALK-HNTs can increase the ethylene absorption capacity of LDPE. Composite film effectively extended the shelf life of cherry tomatoes. As-prepared film is potential alternative material for active food packaging. Abstract: Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are hollow tubular clay nanoparticles used as nanofillers to remove or minimize the production of ethylene gas. The presence of ethylene gas leads to reduced shelf life in fruits and vegetables by accelerating postharvest softening and aging. Alkaline solution-treated HNTs have increased ethylene adsorption capacity due to an increased number of OH groups on the HNTs external surface. This study reports on the thermal, morphological, and mechanical properties of alkaline HNTs (ALK-HNTs) loaded into a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) matrix. Our results indicate that, although the mechanical properties of the LDPE matrix films were not improved with loading ALK-HNTs, the oxygen barrier property were improved and ethylene gas adsorption increased by 220 %. Cherry tomatoes packaged in a 3% ALK-HNTs/LDPE nanocomposite film and stored at 8 °C for 21 days showed a reduction in loss of firmness and weight by 17.0 % and 36.7 %, respectively.