HDPE/Cu-nanofiber nanocomposites with enhanced antibacterial and oxygen barrier properties appropriate for food packaging applications

HDPE nanocomposites containing 0.5, 1, 2.5 and 5 wt% of copper nanofibers (Cu-nanofibers) were prepared by the melt-mixing method and exhibited enhanced tensile strength, Young's modulus, and oxygen barrier as well as antibacterial properties. These improvements were attributed to the small size of Cu-nanofibers and their fine dispersion into the HDPE matrix.

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► Cu-nanofibers are used for the first time for the preparation of nanocomposites.
► HDPE/Cu-nanofiber nanocomposites exhibited enhanced mechanical, oxygen barrier and antibacterial properties.
► These materials are appropriate for food packaging applications