Use of gamma rays to improve the mechanical and barrier properties of biodegradable cellulose acetate nanocomposite films

Nanocomposite films based on cellulose acetate-polyethylene glycol/clay were prepared by solvent-casting technique. In order to improve the quality of nanocomposite films, 10 kGy gamma irradiation was used. The structure and morphology of the nanocomposite films were investigated by FT-IR, XRD and SEM. Moreover, the effect of clay and PEG contents on mechanical properties, oxygen and water permeability was studied. The results showed significant changes in the opacity index, mechanical properties, and water and oxygen permeability with respect to clay and PEG contents. The prepared nanocomposites showed intercalation of cellulose acetate inside the clay structure that caused a reduction of water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) and oxygen transmission rate (OTR) compared to pure cellulose acetate. The results showed that the prepared nanocomposite films could be used for packaging applications.