Biodegradable Nanocomposite Polymers for Food Packaging

"Triton Systems responds to the Navy need to produce new and unique biodegradable food packaging. Our technology is based upon the use of known marine biodegradable polymers based on polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) for thin films fabrication that can bedisposed overboard. Triton's collaboration with the Biodegradable Polymer Research Center at the University of Massachusetts Lowell will utilize their world-renowned expertise in biopolymer synthesis and processing. The use of Triton's nanocompositetechnology will result in the improvement of film strength and oxygen barrier for food preservation. The incorporation of nanoscale silicates with high aspect ratio platelet morphology has demonstrated increased strength and gas barrier in a number ofother thermoplastic resins. On this program we will develop the relationships between polymer structure, morphology, properties, and degradability as required for the Navy's needs. The Phase I will demonstrate the proof of principle through the synthesisand evaluation of these biodegradable nanocomposites with respect to their biodegradability, oxygen barrier, and film forming ability. For Phase II we will optimize these properties, and scale up the synthesis to field test large-scale prototypes. Thissuccessful program will develop an enabling technology that will benefit many areas where biodegradability of plastics is required. This includes disposable fast food packaging and medical wound