Investigation of the effect of the active nanocomposite films (LDPE-nanoTiO2-nanoclay) on physical, mechanical and qualitative properties of kiwifruit

Use of nanocomposite active films in active packaging of agricultural products is one of the applications of nanotechnology in the agricultural industry to increase their storage time. In the present research, polyethylene-nanocomposite active films, C2T0.5 (2% nano-Clay and 0.5% nano-TiO2) and C4T0.5 (4% nano-Clay and 0.5% nano-TiO2) and also neat polyethylene film (C0T0) with melt mixing method were prepared. Then, in order to investigation of the structure of the produced nanocomposite films, the X-ray diffraction (XRD) test was used. Then, in order to find the effect of produced nanocomposite films over the shelf life of kiwifruit, some physical, mechanical and quality properties of this fruit were measured during storage time. Use of factorial experiment with Completely Randomized design, data was then analyzed. XRD results showed acceptable distribution of nanoparticles within the polymeric matrix of nanocomposite films with intercalated structure. In the study of different properties of kiwifruit, it was observed that samples packaged with active nanocomposite films compared to pure polyethylene films, had the lowest soluble solid content and pH and the highest moisture content and firmness. In the exploration of quality characteristics of kiwifruits, the highest rating in terms of color and appearance shape and total favorability for packaged samples with nanocomposite films were obtained. Thus, according to conditions of this research and results, in order to increase the shelf life of kiwifruit, the C2T0.5 nanocomposite film is recommended.