Polymethylmethacrylate-palladium composites as promising packaging material

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is a well-established transparent thermoplastic polymer chosen for a numerous variety of applications due to its biocompatibility, recyclability, lightweight more than glass and less expensive than it. This study is focused on the manufacturing of a composite consisting of PMMA matrix and palladium (Pd) nanopowder in different concentrations. The obtained composite is proposed as a promising material for packaging in view of the claimed good processability, recyclability and biocompatibility of PMMA and Pd. Analyses have been conducted to evaluate the alteration of the optical clarity and wettability of the composites. The UV–Vis spectroscopy indicated that the transmittance of the composite containing 1% and 5% Pd in the visible region decreased by about 62% and 97% respectively with respect to the pristine polymer. The quality of the dispersion of the filler was confirmed by Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier-Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) pointing to a progressive decrease of the contribution of the functional groups with the increase of the filler concentration. The modification of the wettability followed by the sessile drop method revealed a reduction of the hydrophilicity which is desirable in packaging applications to reduce the risk of contamination.