Synthesis of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) from plastic waste & analysis of garlic coated gelatin/MWCNTs nanocomposite films as food packaging material

Abstract

Plastic waste is considered as major source of air, water and soil pollution, due to its non-biodegradable nature. Its direct disposal has negative impact on the environment. So here we present nanotechnological aid to solve the problem of plastic waste. As carbon nanotubes offer wide range of applications, conversion of plastic waste into high value carbon nanotubes (CNTs) could be a beneficial option. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were synthesized from waste plastic bottles using T-CVD method. Synthesized MWCNTs were characterized using XRD, SEM and EDAX. The CNTs were found to be of 30-45 nm in diameter. Garlic microparticles were successfully synthesized using planetary ball milling and characterized using SEM. Gelatin/MWCNT nanocomposite films with varying concentration of MWCNTs (1%, 2% and 3%) were prepared. The improved water and oil resistance as well as antibacterial study suggest that the prepared nanocomposite films can be used as potential food packaging material. Coating these nanocomposite films with garlic microparticles not only enhances their antibacterial activity but also can avoid the interaction of food with MWCNTs and solve the problem of the migration.