Effect of thyme essential oil on the properties of poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)(PBAT)

Abstract

In this study, thyme essential oil was added to poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) films in a variety of compositions (0, 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, and 20% w/w), and the effect of the essential oil on the PBAT's characteristics was evaluated. The films were produced using the casting technique. Thyme essential oil (EO) was evaluated by mid-infrared, gas chromatography-mass spectrometer, and antimicrobial activity. The films were evaluated by mid-infrared, mechanical, and thermal tests. The results demonstrated that EO has a higher concentration of o-cymene and antimicrobial activity against the bacteria Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The films were analyzed for their mechanical and thermal properties according to the compositions tested. The films have shown promise for use as active packaging.

Keywords:
PBAT; thyme essential oil; active packaging