In this paper we report the preparation of PLA-ZnO
nanocomposites in a composition range from 0.5% to 3%
nanofiller, followed by the extrusion of films. This is one
of the first studies concerning the main characteristics of
PLA-ZnO nanocomposite films, with a special focus on
the water vapor barrier properties resulted from nanofiller
incorporation. The morphology of the so-produced films
and their thermal, mechanical and transport properties
(sorption (S), diffusion (D), permeability (P)) to water vapor
were analyzed. The investigation of transport properties
was conducted at three different temperatures to evaluate
also the activation energy of the diffusion phenomenon. In
order to test the used ZnO as antimicrobial agent in the
prepared film nanocomposites, two different types of bacteria
(Gram-positive and Gram-negative) were used to
evaluate the degree of inhibition of bacterial growth
depending on the incubation time and filler amount