Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: "Production of Antimicrobial Polyethylene Nanocomposites for Foodstuff Packaging "

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Abstract:
Iranian researchers succeeded in the production of antimicrobial polyethylene nanocomposites and used them in active foodstuff packaging through an industrial method.

Production of Antimicrobial Polyethylene Nanocomposites for Foodstuff Packaging

Tehran, Iran | Posted on February 4th, 2013

The most important applications of the nanocomposites are in medical industries and active foodstuff packaging.

In this research, silver colloid nanoparticles were firstly produced through chemical reduction method by using polyethylene glycol with low molecular weight. Then, polyethylene nanocomposite with low density containing silver nanoparticles was produced through molten mixing and hot pressing method.

Dr. Maryam Jokar, one of the researchers, stated, "In this research, silver nanoparticle was firstly produced through non-toxic chemical reduction, and silver nanocomposite was synthesized through molten mixing method. Next, polyethylene glycol was used as thecompatibilizer of polar nanoparticles in a non-polar polymeric bed."

According to Dr. Jokar, the use of polyethylene glycol as compatibilizer in an industrial method in order to homogenously distribute nanoparticles in the polymeric bed and the use of molten mixing industrial method to inject nanoparticles into the polymer are among the innovative specifications of the research.

Results of the research show that the use of polyethylene glycol (5%) as the compatibilizer reduces tensile strength and strain of polyethylene. Among other results of the research, mention can be made of the preventive effect of silver nanocomposite on Staphylococcus positive gram bacteria that was higher than Escherichia coli minus gram bacteria.

Results of the research have been published in February 2012, vol. 5, issue 2 in Food Bioprocess Technology. For more information about the detail of the research, visit the full text of the article on pages 719-728 of the same journal.

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