LLDPE film development surface with nucleating agents to reduce fat stains from food adherence on the film surface for easy rinsing before recycling

Nattapong PINPRU; Chiranicha NINTHAP; Supang SRIPRAPHOT; Supharada KHAISAAT

doi:10.55713/jmmm.v34i1.1807

Authors

Nattapong PINPRU Sustainability Center, Plastics Market Intelligent Department, Plastics Institute of Thailand (PITH), Khlong Toey, Bangkok 10110, Thailand https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2467-3432
Chiranicha NINTHAP Nanohybrids and Innovation Coating (NHIC), National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Khlong Luang, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand
Supang SRIPRAPHOT Nanohybrids and Innovation Coating (NHIC), National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Khlong Luang, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand
Supharada KHAISAAT College of Maritime Studies and Management, Chiang Mai University, Samut Sakhon 74000, Thailand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55713/jmmm.v34i1.1807

Keywords:

LLDPE, Fat stains, Nucleating agent, Film surface, Blown film

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to enhance the surface of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) film by using single and hybrid nucleating agents to reduce fat stains from food adherence on the film surface for easy rinsing before recycling, consequently reducing energy consumption before recycling. The process begins with the preparation of a high-concentration masterbatch of LLDPE with nucleating agents and polyethylene glycol (PEG), followed by blown film and test analysis. The results showed that both single and hybrid nucleating agents resulted in substantial modifications in the surface characteristics of the film. The altered surface texture of the film makes fat stains easy to remove. In addition, the use of hybrid nucleating agents resulted in considerable roughness on the film's surface. It can calculate the average roughness (R_a) from atomic force microscopy (AFM) images, which is very low at 4.7 nm, and the roughness is consistent. The contact angle was 99.17 degrees, and the percentage of crystallinity was clearly higher than that of a single nucleating agent. As a result, the fat stains on the film surface are easier to remove. The visual appearance, morphology, functional group, and mechanical properties of the films, on the other hand, were not significantly different. In summary, using a nucleating agent helped to rinse fat stains from the film easily.

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