Packaging materials to achieve technological breakthrough Food shelf life is not a problem

Recently, Prof. Kumar Shanmugam led a research breakthrough by Borouge Group (a joint venture between Borealis and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, mainly focused on plastics production and R&D). This research is mainly used to improve the packaging materials and improve the tightness of their polymers, especially the protection against the penetration of oxygen. In current general packaging materials, oxygen can often penetrate into the interior, resulting in deterioration of foods and other spoilage. However, if the properties of the polymer used for packaging are improved, substances that are easily oxidized, such as food, can be stored for a long time.

According to the polypropylene resin and polyethylene required for the experiments provided by the Borouge Group, Professor Kumar Shanmugam and his team conducted experiments on various mixed materials at the Masdar Institute. A special oxygen infiltration test was carried out by the Borouge Group.

Finally, experimental studies have found that materials composed of graphene, carbon nanotubes, and nanoscale silicate clays are the best barriers against oxygen, and can also effectively slow the diffusion of oxygen in packaging materials. . "This hybrid material can first stop the oxygen diffusion pathway. Secondly, the material has a certain absorption of oxygen and can further reduce the oxygen content in the package." Research team researchers YanbinCui and ShaileshKundalwa described the main functions of this material.

“In fact, each of these hybrid materials plays an important role. Carbon nanotubes and graphene provide a perfect barrier, while allowing the polymer to have a certain light transmission, while nanoparticles can absorb the incoming oxygen. For example, siliceous clay can reduce oxygen diffusion by 15%, graphene is 23%, and carbon nanotubes reach 40%," Professor Kumar Shanmugam confided. In addition to the three main materials mentioned above, a layer of coating must be added on the outside to increase the life of the packaging material and also to protect the food. In addition, the use of coatings can reduce the consumption of mixed materials, and for a company, the economic benefits are considerable.

In addition to its use in food packaging, this finding is also of great significance for the construction of some gas and oil pipelines. Prof. Kumar Shanmugam said that the next research direction is to study the pipeline transportation materials in these energy industries. The prospect of this market is very good.