Production and investigating the physical, mechanical and anti-microbial characteristics of LDPE nano-composite packaging films incorporating Ag, ZnO and Cuo nanoparticles

The main objective of this study was to produce LDPE active films containing metallic nanoparticles (Ag, ZnO and CuO) and to investigate their physical, mechanical and anti-microbial characteristics. Three types of metallic nanoparticles at concentrations of 1% (w/w) were added to low density polyethylene (LDPE) and the films were prepared using melt extrusion technique. SEM results indicated rather uniform distribution of nanoparticles in polymeric matrix. Ag containing film showed highest tensile strength and Cu containing film showed the highest elongation to break values. Films containing ZnO nanoparticles had the highest UV absorption. A 99.9% reduction in Escherichia coli and a 90% reduction in Staphylococcus aureus were observed for films containing all nanoparticles which were evaluated by colony counting. However, ZnO nanoparticles were more effective in retarding the growth of S. areus and Ag and Cuo were more effective for E. coli.