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<p>In this study, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites reinforced with river tamarind bark microfibers and Parthenium hysterophorus-derived lactones were fabricated for food packaging applications. The reinforcing agents were isolated from biomass using chemical methods and incorporated into PLA, and test specimens were prepared following ASTM standards. Surface morphology was examined using scanning electron microscopy, while tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness tests were conducted to evaluate mechanical performance. Thermal conductivity, decomposition temperature, and antimicrobial properties were also assessed to determine thermal stability and biostatic activity. The composites were fabricated with PLA as the matrix, reinforced with 30 vol% river tamarind bark microfibers, and varying lactone contents of 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 vol% corresponding to samples TR, TRL0, TRL1, TRL2, and TRL3, respectively, while neat PLA (T) was used as a control. Among the formulations, TRL2 exhibited the highest tensile strength (155&#xa0;MPa), flexural strength (189&#xa0;MPa), and impact energy (4.9&#xa0;J). TRL3 showed the highest thermal conductivity (0.381&#xa0;W/mK), while thermogravimetric analysis indicated optimal thermal stability at lower lactone loading (TRL0), with a decomposition temperature of 453&#xa0;°C. TRL3 also demonstrated superior antimicrobial activity with the largest inhibition zone. The study highlights the novel dual reinforcement strategy using natural fibers and bioactive lactones to simultaneously improve mechanical strength, thermal performance, and antimicrobial properties of PLA, addressing the research gap of multifunctional, biodegradable polymer composites. The combination of high strength, biodegradability, and antimicrobial properties suggests these composites hold strong potential for applications in food packaging, pharmaceuticals, and biomedical fields.</p>

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Sustainable food packaging materials: PLA composites reinforced with Parthenium hysterophorus lactones and river tamarind bark microfiber

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月12日

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  • V. Narasimharaj,
  • R. Soundararajan,
  • R Vasanth,
  • Rajesh Kumar D

摘要

In this study, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites reinforced with river tamarind bark microfibers and Parthenium hysterophorus-derived lactones were fabricated for food packaging applications. The reinforcing agents were isolated from biomass using chemical methods and incorporated into PLA, and test specimens were prepared following ASTM standards. Surface morphology was examined using scanning electron microscopy, while tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness tests were conducted to evaluate mechanical performance. Thermal conductivity, decomposition temperature, and antimicrobial properties were also assessed to determine thermal stability and biostatic activity. The composites were fabricated with PLA as the matrix, reinforced with 30 vol% river tamarind bark microfibers, and varying lactone contents of 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 vol% corresponding to samples TR, TRL0, TRL1, TRL2, and TRL3, respectively, while neat PLA (T) was used as a control. Among the formulations, TRL2 exhibited the highest tensile strength (155 MPa), flexural strength (189 MPa), and impact energy (4.9 J). TRL3 showed the highest thermal conductivity (0.381 W/mK), while thermogravimetric analysis indicated optimal thermal stability at lower lactone loading (TRL0), with a decomposition temperature of 453 °C. TRL3 also demonstrated superior antimicrobial activity with the largest inhibition zone. The study highlights the novel dual reinforcement strategy using natural fibers and bioactive lactones to simultaneously improve mechanical strength, thermal performance, and antimicrobial properties of PLA, addressing the research gap of multifunctional, biodegradable polymer composites. The combination of high strength, biodegradability, and antimicrobial properties suggests these composites hold strong potential for applications in food packaging, pharmaceuticals, and biomedical fields.