Structural, mechanical and barrier properties of active PLA-antioxidant films

► Ascorbyl palmitate and α-tocopherol influenced some PLA's functional properties. ► Ascorbyl palmitate crystallization on PLA surface provided an opaque PLA. ► The applied antioxidants did not affect PLA's water vapor permeability. ► α-Tocopherol can be safely used for PLA antioxidant-active packaging. ► Ascorbyl palmitate's degradation limits its use in PLA active packaging.