Polymer Nanocomposites for Food Packaging Applications

Shiv Shankar, Jong Whan Rhim

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Among the various existing nanotechnologies, polymer nano-composite has attracted most attention in the food packaging industry. The high point of multidisciplinary research is required in polymer nanocomposite in food packaging to overcome the barriers like safety, technology, regulation, standardization, trained workforce, and technology transfer in order to achieve the benefit for commercial products in the global market. In view of considering these points, this chapter focuses on the composition, preparation, characterization, and application of polymer nanocomposite materials in the food packaging areas. Polymer nanocomposite food packaging material with antimicrobial properties is particularly useful because of the high surface-to-volume ratio of nanofillers. Also, this property enhances surface reactivity of the nanosized antimicrobial agents compared to bulk counterpart, making them able to inactivate or kill microorganisms. The performance properties such as mechanical, barrier, optical, thermal, biodegradation, antimicrobial, and other functional properties are found in polymer nanocomposites for the packaging applications.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationFunctional and Physical Properties of Polymer Nanocomposites
PublisherWiley-Blackwell
Pages29-55
Number of pages27
ISBN (Electronic)9781118542316
ISBN (Print)9781118542323
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Antimicrobial properties
  • Biodegradation
  • Chemical resistance
  • Food packaging
  • Functional properties
  • Nanosized antimicrobial agents
  • Performance properties
  • Polymer nanocomposite
  • Surface-to-volume ratio

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