Search

Sustainable packaging solutions are of paramount importance in addressing the environmental challenges posed by conventional non-biodegradable materials. This study addresses this critical need by introducing a novel approach to crafting antimicrobial biodegradable polymer films. Leveraging the benefits of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a base material, combined with corn-starch (CS) and mint extract (ME), these films offer a compelling synergy of eco-friendliness, antimicrobial efficacy, and mechanical strength. The antimicrobial property was imparted by adding mint extract, and boric acid (BA) was added as a cross-linker for better mechanical properties. All process was done by solution casting method followed by mechanical stirring. After 7 days, starch-PVA blend showed 50% weight loss; however, after adding mint extract, the action of microbes was reduced, and a 50% reduction in weight was observed after 12 days. The excellent mechanical properties were achieved by adding 10% aqueous solution of BA as a cross-linker. The confirmation of BA in the blend was done by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to check the thermal properties of the films. Antimicrobial results showed that mint extract was resistant to staphylococcus aureus bacteria. These biodegradable films offer a multifaceted solution, aligning with sustainability objectives, showcasing antimicrobial potential, and demonstrating mechanical robustness. As such, they hold promise for a diverse array of applications, particularly in the realm of environmentally conscious food packaging. In the pursuit of greener alternatives, these films stand as a testament to innovative materials engineering that harmonizes functionality with ecological responsibility.

This study focuses on developing and characterizing multifunctional composites based on the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A (DGEBA) epoxy matrix. The aim is to enhance fire resistance and electrical conductivity properties for applications in various fields. To achieve this, aluminum tri-hydroxide (ATH) was incorporated as a flame retardant (FR) agent, while polyaniline (PANI) was added to impart electrical conductivity. The composites were categorized into three groups: the first containing flame retardant (FR), the second containing PANI for conductivity, and the third containing both PANI and FR for combined effects. E 60-FP emerged as the optimal multifunctional composite, exhibiting superior mechanical properties among the tested formulations. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results provided valuable insights into the thermal stability of E 60-FP, revealing that it retained 42% of its initial mass at a temperature of 600 °C. Additionally, the composite achieved a V-0 rating in the UL 94 test, confirming its excellent fire resistance. Notably, E 60-FP displayed impressive mechanical strength, with a tensile strength of 7.2 MPa and a tensile modulus of 1117.6 MPa. Its flexural strength and modulus were measured at 31.2 MPa and 2800.2 MPa, respectively. Furthermore, the composite E 60-FP exhibited remarkable electrical conductivity, measuring 6.1 × 10 ^–6 S cm ^−1 . These findings highlight the potential of DGEBA epoxy composites containing PANI and ATH as promising materials for applications requiring fire resistance and electrical conductivity properties.