Comparative Analysis of Two Bioplasticizers Used to Modulate the Properties of PLA Biocomposites

The present paper deals with a comparative study on the influence of two different bioplasticizers: acetyl tributylcitrate (ATBC) and LAPOL108 on the mechanical and antimicrobial properties of poly(lactic acid) PLA containing 1 wt.% chitosan. PLA based biocomposites were investigated by means of processing behavior, FT-IR spectroscopy, DSC analysis, tensile and barrier properties, migration in food simulants and antifungal activity. Based on the obtained results it can appreciated that the properties of the PLA based biocomposites could be appropriate for designing flexible or rigid food packaging depending of the bioplasticizer used.