Polycaprolactone-Based Films Incorporated with Birch Tar—Thermal, Physicochemical, Antibacterial, and Biodegradable Properties

Abstract

We present new polymer materials consisting of polycaprolactone (PCL), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and birch tar (D). PEG was introduced into the polymer matrix in order to obtain a plasticizing effect, while tar was added to obtain antibacterial properties and to change the physicochemical properties of the film. The materials were obtained by the solvent method and characterized using a variety of methods to test their performance and susceptibility to biodegradation. The obtained data indicate that the introduction of the bioactive substance (D) into PCL improved the thermal stability and significantly lowered the Young’s modulus values of the tested polymers. Moreover, the addition of birch tar improved the barrier and bacteriostatic properties, resulting in a reduction in the growth of pathogenic bacteria on the surface of the film. The films are not mutagenic but are susceptible to biodegradation in various environments. Due to their properties, they have potential for application in agriculture and horticulture and for packaging food, mainly vegetables grown in the field.

Keywords

• polycaprolactone
• birch tar
• antibacterial properties
• packaging materials
• functional properties