Physical, Morphological, Structural, Thermal and Antimicrobial Characterization of Films Based on Poly(Lactic Acid), Organophilic Montmorillonite and Oregano Essential Oil

This work developed ternary films based on Poly(Lactic Acid) (PLA), Cloisite 30B (C30B) and Oregano Essential Oil (OEO) as proposal to be applied in food packaging. The films thus manufactured were unscathed, with reduced surface defects. Their thickness and moisture content varied according to the composition and content of each component in the formulation. Optical micrographs indicated a homogeneous morphology, with good distribution of clay in the matrix. FTIR data confirms the incorporation of OEO into the films. TGA analysis indicated that the thermal stability of the films was not significantly affected by the incorporation of C30B and OEO. OEO incorporation did not promote an efficient antimicrobial action which is probably due to its retention by the clay. Further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis. The combination between C30B and OEO in the PLA polymeric matrix is a promising proposal.