LDPE-Based Composite Films Containing Rosehip Powder for Packaging Applications

Abstract In this study, composite films were fabricated through extrusion melt mixing followed by hot pressing by incorporating rosehip (RH) powder into a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) matrix at loadings of 3, 5, 7, and 10 wt%. The films were characterized in terms of chemical, thermal, mechanical, surface, barrier, and morphological properties. SEM analysis revealed that low RH contents (3–5 wt%) caused slight surface roughening and limited micro void formation, whereas higher loadings (7–10 wt%) resulted in particle agglomeration, voids, and filler–matrix separation, indicating weakened interfacial adhesion. FTIR results confirmed that RH was physically dispersed without altering the chemical structure of LDPE. TGA showed a decrease in onset degradation temperature from 430.27 °C for neat LDPE to 396.98 °C for LDPE/10RH, while maximum degradation temperatures remained nearly constant. DSC analysis indicated that crystallinity increased to 3wt% RH but slightly decreased at higher loadings. Mechanical performance deteriorated with increasing RH content, reflected by reduced tensile strength and elongation at break, indicating increased brittleness. Contact angle measurements demonstrated enhanced surface wettability with RH addition. Barrier analysis showed that 3wt% RH loading improved water vapor barrier properties. Overall, the results demonstrate that controlling filler loading and dispersion is critical for developing LDPE-based composites containing natural fillers for potential sustainable packaging applications.