Biopolymers have been receiving attention since they are based on a renewable resource, usually a starch, and have the advantage of being biodegradable or compostable. Advances in production technology and the rising raw material costs for traditional petroleum-based polymers are making biopolymers competitive in the marketplace. Polylactic Acid (PLA) is one biopolymer finding many applications in consumer goods such as food service items and packaging. Shown here is an atomic-force microscope (AFM) image of the internal structure (polymer morphology) of a PLA-based drink cup. Current research involves improvement of the heat resistance, look, and feel of these materials so that they are indistinguishable from the petroleum-based polymer standard yet retain their biodegradable aspects. Blending with other polymers, reinforcing agents, and pigments can be beneficial, and the resulting morphology at the nanometer scale is shown in the image above. Quality of dispersion and domain size for the additives impacts performance, and PolyInsight has the technology to help you learn more about your PLA materials. More information about applications for PLA and other biopolymers can be found at manufacturer websites such as NatureWorks LLC, Metabolix, and Cereplast.

Multilayer polymer films find widespread use in food and healthcare packaging applications due to the demanding and often competing performance requirements necessary for the package, which may include strength, heat resistance, oxygen barrier, scratch resistance, clarity, sterility, printability, and sealability. Complex multilayer structures with sub-micron layer thicknesses which can be investigated in detail by combining cross-sectional preparation techniques with a high-resolution imaging method such as atomic-force microscopy (AFM). The AFM image shown here reveals a 60 nm inclusion at the interface between two layers of a multilayer food packaging film. Interfacial defects such as voids and crystalline inclusions can be identified and classified as to location and size using this technique. Understanding and using this information can be a critical means to solving complex problems in the design and manufacture of films for packaging. If you experience difficult problems incorporating multilayer films in your application, call PolyInsight to discuss whether our cross-sectional imaging techniques can help you.

At PolyInsight you will find the experience and technical know-how to solve your problems in materials R&D, product/process troubleshooting, and failure/defect analysis. We guarantee results of the highest quality, fastest turnaround, and complete confidentiality - call us today to discuss your project and let us help you succeed.

Finally, a special thanks to all of our clients who have helped make PolyInsight the success that it is today. See you next month!