Incorporation of Vitamin D Food Additive for Improved Mechanical, Barrier and Oxygen Transmission Properties of Poly(lactic-acid) Based Biocomposite Films

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) based sustainable composites reinforced with Vitamin D3 (VTD) at different concentrations (1, 3, 5 and 10 wt%) were prepared using solvent casting method. The filler dispersed readily in the PLA matrix. The properties of the PLA/VTD composite films were investigated for their thermal, barrier and mechanical properties, and also for oxygen permeability. Improvement in mechanical and oxygen barrier studies were recorded and the VTD modified PLA composite films showed improved properties. For example, the addition of the VTD in the PLA caused enhancement in the oxygen barrier and mechanical properties. The tensile property of the PLA was increased significantly to 42 MPa from 28 MPa at 3 wt% VTD. The oxygen transmission rate (OTR) was also increased by 52 % in the PLA/VTD composite. Therefore, the findings indicate that the suitable properties of the PLA/VTD composite films showed potential for food packaging applications.