Migration of nano-clay and nano-silica from low-density polyethylene nanocomposites into different food simulants

This study aimed to investigate the impact of adding clay and silica nanoparticles (NPs) on the swelling and thermal properties of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) composite. The migration of nano-clay and nano-silica into food simulants (distilled water, acetic acid 3% and ethanol 95%) was examined within 10 day storage at 40 celcius. It was found that adding NPs into composites could increase the swelling index, mainly in acetic acid 3%. The nanocomposites' thermal properties changed after migration, and crystallinity degree of nanocomposite diminished due to migration of NPs from the film. The migration of aluminum (Al) and silicon (Si) NPs into ethanol 95% was generally higher than migration into acetic acid 3%. Thus, NPs from this type of nanocomposite are more likely to migrate into foods with high fatty acid contents than into aqueous foods.

Automated summary

The study showed that adding nanoparticles increased the swelling index of the composites, and the thermal properties changed after migration, with a decrease in crystallinity. The migration of aluminum and silicon nanoparticles into ethanol was higher than into acetic acid, suggesting a higher likelihood of migration into foods with high fatty acid content.