Properties and printability of polylactic acid films : An effect of polyglutamate coated natto as a bio-plasticizer
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55713/jmmm.v36i1.2533Keywords:
Polylactic acid films, Polyglutamate coated natto, Bioplasticizer, Screen-printabilityAbstract
Polylactic acid (PLA) film, a biodegradable alternative to petroleum-based plastics, has gained significant attention for sustainable packaging applications. However, its limited screen-printability remains a barrier to broader commercial use. This study aims to enhance the screen-printability of PLA film by incorporating a polyglutamate coated natto (designated as Nat-M). PLA/Nat-M films having 1%, 3%, and 5% Nat-M were prepared and evaluated for their key performance indicators, including ink adhesion (ASTM D3359), tone reproduction accuracy, and printing resolution. The screen-printing resolution was optimized between 400 DPI and 500 DPI (dots per inch) to achieve optimal tone reproduction and edge sharpness. Additionally, ink abrasion resistance and surface wettability were assessed by water contact angle (WCA) measurements. The results indicated that all PLA/Nat-M films exhibited improved screen-printing characteristics when compared to pristine PLA. These findings suggest that PLA/modified natto, particularly at 3% and 5% Nat-M loadings, provided a viable and environmentally friendly solution for improving the printability of biodegradable label.
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