Faculty of Technology, University of Novi Sad
Marija Krstić
Development of sensory polyurethane composites for intelligent food packaging
ABSTRACT
Polymeric sensors represent a promising class of materials for detecting chemical and physical changes in the environment due to their flexibility, ease of processing, and ability to integrate different functional groups. In this study, an innovative biodegradable packaging material with advanced sensory properties was developed, based on polyaniline as the active sensing component and a polyurethane matrix. The polymer matrix enables homogeneous dispersion of polyaniline, whose conductivity and optical properties change in the presence of gases released during food spoilage. This mechanism allows for continuous and reliable real-time visual indication of food freshness. Additionally, the polyurethane matrix is functionalized with self-healing properties, extending the packaging’s durability and preventing damage that could affect its sensing efficiency. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the structural integrity of both polyaniline and the polyurethane matrix, while DSC analysis demonstrated that the thermal properties of the composite can be tailored by selecting appropriate components. A detailed characterization of polyaniline’s sensing sensitivity to different gas concentrations was performed, along with an assessment of the stability and reproducibility of the sensor response. The obtained results confirm that the developed composite has great potential for application in intelligent food packaging, contributing to improved food safety and reduced waste of perishable products.
Keywords: polymeric sensors, intelligent food packaging, polyaniline, self-healing polyurethane
Biography of the presenter
MSc Marija Krstić is Research Associate at Faculty of Technology Novi Sad, University of Novi Sad. Her field of research focuses on the synthesis of polymeric materials, macromolecule chemistry and polymer characterization. She is trained to work on devices for thermal, structural and mechanical characterization of polymers. Marija Krstić is a third-year PhD student at the Department of Materials Engineering at the Faculty of Technology Novi Sad. She defended two master’s theses, at the Faculty of Technology in Leskovac, University of Niš, and at the Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, University of Priština-Kosovska Mitrovica,. At all levels of study, she was a fellow of a scholarship from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia, as well as from the Fund for Young Talents. She is the winner of the annual award of the Serbian Chemical Society, as well as the award for the student of the generation of the Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics for 2019. Marija Krstić is author and coathor of 10 scientific papers in international and national journals and she participated in many international and domestic conferences. She is a participant in the realization of 1 national, and 4 international projects.
