Application of ethylene scavenging nanocomposite film prepared by loading potassium permanganate-impregnated halloysite nanotubes into low-density polyethylene as active packaging material for fresh produce

This study reported the development of a potassium permanganate-based ethylene scavenger using halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) as an encapsulation material. Different concentrations of the potassium permanganate-impregnated HNTs (P-HNTs) were loaded into a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) matrix. The results indicated that the loading of the P-HNTs into the LDPE matrix did not optimize the mechanical and barrier properties of the nanocomposite films. However, the loading of 1 g/100 g P-HNTs increased the thermal stability, crystallinity, and ethylene scavenging capacity (by 1700%) of the nanocomposite film. The cherry tomatoes that were wrapped with the 1% P-HNTs/LDPE nanocomposite film (P-HLNF) and stored at 20 °C for 21 d exhibited a low ethylene production rate and respiration rate; furthermore, the nanocomposite film delayed the decrease in the firmness and the color change of the cherry tomatoes.