| abstract |
The use of β-CDs as nucleating agents for PLA to provide an increase in polymer crystallinity is described. The improvement in increased crystallinity is related to the percentage of β-CDs used. For the analyzed films, crystallinity was approximately 1.47% in the absence of a nucleating agent, and approximately 17.85% in the presence of the maximum amount of nucleating agent tested (e.g., 30%). Thus, improvement in processability, producability, and heat resistance of PLA will depend on the amount of β-CDs loaded. Additionally, loading PLA with β-CDs carrying an antifungal volatile is an effective way to increase PLA crystallinity besides avoiding fungal development when used in active packaging. In this case, the antifungal volatiles, along with changes in headspace concentration because of changes in crystallinity, may prolong the fresh produce shelf life. |