Pectin-based nanocomposite aerogels for potential insulated food packaging application

NEŠIĆ, A.; GORDIC, M.; DAVIDOVIC, S.; RADOVANOVIC, Z.; NEDELJKOVIC, J.; SMIMOVA, I.; GURIKOV, P.:
Carbohydrate Polymers, 195 (2018) 128-135.

DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2018.04.076

Abstract

Environmental-friendly pectin-TiO₂ nanocomposite aerogels were prepared via sol-gel process and subsequent drying under supercritical conditions. The first step includes dissolution of pectin in water, addition of proper amount of TiO₂ colloid and crosslinking reaction induced in the presence of tert-butanol and zinc ions. Then, the gels are subjected to the solvent exchange and supercritical CO₂ drying. The influence of TiO₂nanoparticles on the textural, mechanical, thermal and antibacterial properties of aerogels was investigated. Results indicate that in the presence of TiO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) mechanical, thermal and antimicrobial properties of pectin-based aerogels are improved in comparison to the control pectin aerogels. It should be emphasized that the thermal conductivity of pectin-based aerogels (0.022–0.025 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹) is lower than the thermal conductivity of air. Generally, the results propose that the pectin-TiO₂ nanocomposite aerogels, as bio-based material, might have potential application for the storage of temperature-sensitive food.