Obtenção e caracterização de filmes poliméricos extrusados aditivados com erucamida/montmorilonitananopartículas de óxido de zinco (EU/MMT-NPZNO) com potencial antibacteriano

Abstract

The development of innovative, non-toxic antimicrobial additives for use in polymerbased active food packaging and medical–hospital devices represents a rapidly expanding field within chemical additive research. Among these materials, antibacterial nanocomposites have received particular attention due to their ability to extend the shelf life of packaged foods and inhibit microbial proliferation in biomedical polymeric systems. In this context, a novel antimicrobial nanocomposite denoted Erucamide–Montmorillonite/Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (EU-MMT/NPZnO) was synthesized, structurally characterized, and subsequently incorporated at different concentrations into Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE). The LLDPE films containing the nanocomposite were produced by preparing a masterbatch with 10 wt% of the antimicrobial system using a high-shear mixer, followed by milling and film extrusion. Antibacterial assays demonstrated that the resulting films exhibited inhibitory effects against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive). The formulation showing the most pronounced antimicrobial response (LLDPE + EU/MMT/NPZnO) was subsequently be characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), FourierTransform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman Spectroscopy, Mechanical analysis and antimicrobial activity testing.