Executive Summary : | The study aims to develop PLA/MnO2 films for improved packaging of packaged food, by combining metal oxides like TiO2, SiO2, and MgO. MnO₂ nanoflowers are a better choice due to their high surface area, ease of synthesis, non-toxicity, and versatility. This research is the first experimental study to investigate MnO2 blended polylactic acid properties. The main objective is to provide a research-based perspective on the economic and environmental potential of MnO2/PLA. The research will involve synthesizing MnO2 nanoflowers using a method previously reported, followed by preparing PLA/MnO2 films with 1-10% composition using the solvent casting method. The mixture of PLA and MnO2 nanoparticles will be evenly spread on a glass plate, allowing them to evaporate chloroform to produce uniform thickness films. After drying the films for 2-4 days, the films will be peeled out and dried at 55°C for 30 hours to remove any remaining solvent. The prepared films will undergo FTIR analysis to investigate their chemical structure, tensile strength, thermal properties, gas barrier properties, and antibacterial efficacy against foodborne bacteria. The films will be examined for their gas barrier properties against oxygen gas permeability and their antibacterial efficacy against foodborne bacteria. The project is optimistic about the results, as it is the first experimental study to tune and investigate MnO2 blended polylactic acid properties. |