• Macromolecular Research
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.378-387
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• 2009

This research compared three methods for producing and processing nanocomposite polypropylene filament yarns with permanent antimicrobial efficiency. The three methods used to mix antimicrobial agents based on silver nano particles with PP were as follows: 1) mixing of PP powder and inorganic nanocomposite filler with the appropriate concentration using a twin-screw extruder and preparing granules, 2) method 1 with a singlerather than twin-screw extruder, and 3) producing the masterbatch by a twin-screw extruder and blending it with PP in the melt spinning process. All pure polypropylene samples and other combined samples had an acceptable spinnability at the spinning temperature of $240^{\circ}C$ and take-up speed of 2,000 m/min. After producing as-spun filament yarns by a pilot plant, melt spinning machine, the samples were drawn, textured and finally weft knitted. The physical and structural properties (e.g., linear density, tenacity, breaking elongation, initial modulus, rupture work, shrinkage and crystallinity) of the as-spun and drawn yarns with constant and variable draw ratios (the variable draw ratio was used to gain a constant breaking elongation of 50%) were investigated and compared, while DSC, SEM and FTIR techniques were used to characterize the samples. Finally, the antibacterial efficiency of the knitted samples was evaluated. The experimental results revealed that the crystallinity reduction of the as-spun yarn obtained from method 1 (5%) was more than that of method 2 (3%), while the crystallinity of the modified as-spun yarns obtained with method 3 remained unchanged compared to pure yarn. However, the drawing procedure compensated for this difference. By applying methods 2 and 3, the drawing generally improved the tenacity and modulus of the modified fibers, whereas method 1 degraded the constant draw ratio. Although the biostatic efficiency of the nanocomposite yarns was excellent with all three methods, the modified fabrics obtained from methods 1 and 2 showed a higher bioactivity.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF PACKAGING SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.15-25
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• 2023

Since the COVID-19 crisis, the use of disposable packaging materials and delivery services, which raise environmental and social issues with waste disposal, has significantly increased. Antimicrobial active packaging has emerged as a viable solution for extending the shelf-life of foods by minimizing microbial growth and decomposition. In this review article, we provide a comprehensive overview of current research trends in antimicrobial active film and coating published over the last five years. First, we introduced various polymer materials such as film and coating that are used in active packaging. Next, various types of antimicrobial (antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral) packaging including essential oil, extracts, biological material, metal, and nanoparticles were introduced and their activities and mechanisms were discussed. Finally, the current challenges and prospects were discussed. Overall, this review provides insights into the recent advancements in antimicrobial active packaging research and highlights the potential of the technology to enhance food safety and quality.