This work presents the non-destructive assessment of polymeric composites based on synthetic matrices low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polystyrene (PS) enhanced with chitosan (CS) biopolymer for use in active packaging systems for moisture control. Composites were prepared by incorporating CS at different contents (1, 3 and 5 phr) into LDPE and PS matrices. To evaluate the structural and thermal alterations induced by biopolymer loading, the materials were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The composites’ water-regulating properties—specifically, moisture absorption, retention, diffusion, and water vapor transmission rate—were quantitively tracked. Furthermore, the mechanical integrity of both dried and water-exposed systems was assessed via Shore D hardness testing. The results reveal a direct correlation between CS concentrations and enhanced hydrophilic behavior and water absorption, primarily attributed to the polar hydroxyl and amine groups within its molecular structure. The composites maintained adequate mechanical strength even after water exposure, confirming their structural stability for practical applications. This study demonstrates that the incorporation of CS into non-polar synthetic matrices significantly improves water affinity without requiring chemical compatibilizers, representing a cost-effective route to develop responsive packaging. The promise of these composites as responsive materials for real-time environmental interaction is highlighted by the successful non-destructive monitoring of their performance. This research establishes the feasibility and efficacy of non-destructive monitoring techniques in developing active packaging technologies, accelerating the progress of polymer-based systems with integrated and tunable moisture regulation capabilities.

Hoy en día, los empaques inteligentes y empaques activos están revolucionando la manera en que conservamos frutas y verduras, especialmente aquellas que siguen madurando después de ser cosechadas (climatéricas). Este artículo explica de forma sencilla cómo los empaques inteligentes permiten monitorear la frescura de los alimentos, mientras que los empaques activos ayudan a alargar su vida útil controlando su ambiente interno. También te contamos de qué materiales suelen estar hechos estos empaques —como plásticos especiales y bioplásticos— y cuáles son los principales factores que deterioran frutas y verduras. Además, exploramos investigaciones recientes que buscan mejorar los materiales para hacerlos aún más útiles, agregándoles propiedades antimicrobianas o antioxidantes. La combinación de estos dos tipos de empaques promete no sólo productos más frescos y seguros, sino también menos desperdicio de alimentos y mejores condiciones para productores y consumidores.

This investigation studied the heat storage capacity of a gypsum blinder with a hybrid nanocomposite (NH) of vanadium dioxide and multiwall carbon nanotubes (VO2/MWCNT). The influence of the NH in the hydration kinetics and hydrated products was determined. The effect of the incorporated amount of NH in the wettability, mass loss by humectation-drying cycles, thermal conductivity, specific heat (Cp) and gypsum thermal performance at 40 °C was determined. Characterization techniques exhibited that the presence of VO2/MWCNT did not modify hydration kinetics and phases development, water drop angle or compressive strength. Nevertheless, gypsum blinders mass loss increased with the presence of the nanocomposite after 6 humectation-drying cycles. According to the thermal properties, it was found that the NH addition increased gypsum blinders thermal conductivity and Cp values. Finally, it was concluded that gypsum with VO2/MWCNT promotes self-thermal regulation properties without affecting its performance. The usage of VO2/MWCNT embedded in a gypsum as a construction material would provide thermal comfort conditions in buildings.