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Biodegradable composite films of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) modified with varying amounts of capsicum oleoresin (CO)‐impregnated nanoporous silica (SiCO) were prepared. The antimicrobial and thermomechanical properties of the PLA composites were carefully investigated. The Gram‐positive pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus) and the Gram‐negative pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica) tests established excellent antimicrobial properties of the composites even at small concentrations of SiCO. The microscopic (scanning electron micrograph) and spectroscopic (energy‐dispersive X‐ray) investigations manifested the uniformity of particle distribution. Although the addition of CO slightly decreased the thermal stability of the composite films, it marginally enhanced the mechanical properties and crystallinity. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47825. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to develop polymer composite masterbatches by using poly(lactic) acid as a carrier resin and bamboo charcoal particle as a natural pigment. Moreover, antioxidant and dispersing agent were added to the masterbatches where the antioxidant improves thermal and ultraviolent stability of pigment masterbatches while dispersing agent enhances the distribution and dispersion of bamboo charcoal particles in the polymer matrix. The natural pigment masterbatches were diluted in the poly(lactic) acid matrix. The morphology, thermal property, and rheological properties of bamboo charcoal particles/poly(lactic) acid composites comparing before and after weathering tests are studied. It was concluded that natural pigment charcoal masterbatches can make good bamboo charcoal particles/poly(lactic) acid composites for high‐temperature food packaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]