The poly(butylene succinate) (PBS)/thymol film was successfully prepared by using a blown film
extruder at five different thymol concentrations ranging from 2 to 10 wt%. Experimental results indicated
that PBS was softer and tougher due to the plasticization effect derived from thymol. The oxygen
transmission rate (OTR) increased slightly with increasing thymol content due to the increased amorphous
region in PBS structure. Under heating process, the blends exhibited lower crystallization temperature
(Tc), enthalpy of crystallization (DHc), enthalpy of melting (DHm) and degree of crystallinity (Xc)
than that observed in neat PBS. Thymol was found to effectively inhibit foodborne pathogens growth. Its
antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus was evidence at 6 wt% while Escherichia coli did at
10 wt% thymol. Over 15 days studied, release of thymol showed some differences depend on food
simulant. Maximum migration was obtained when the film was immersed in isooctane at all test
duration. Release kinetics indicated that the incorporation of 10 wt% thymol to PBS films were effective
over 15 days.