Polymer nanocomposites are emerging as a potential material in the food packaging sectors due to excellent barrier, antimicrobial properties along with ease of fabrication and low cost. For proper functioning of a packaging material, a number of factors such as compatibility, printability, sealability, moisture resistance, acid and alkali resistance, and ease of handling are essential. The safety and shelf life of the food contained is largely dependent on these factors. In this chapter, the scope of polymer nanocomposite as the packaging material has been discussed in detail. The types of polymer nanocomposites, matrices, and the nanofillers that are utilized for food packages have been covered in brief. In addition, the significance of barrier, mechanical, thermal, and antimicrobial properties for the safety and durability of the packaged food has been analyzed. The chapter also describes the potential of polymer nanocomposites in different areas of applications such as active, intelligent, sustainable, and biodegradable packages. The effect of plastic packages on the environment is unavoidable. Proper disposal or recycling of these materials is required to avoid long-term threat to the living organisms. Due to possible consequences of nanomaterials to health and toxicity concern, consumers are still hesitant for the acceptance of the polymer nanocomposites as food packages; however, defined regulation and implementation will definitely widen the utilization of nanomaterials in the food packaging sector. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview on the prospects of polymer nanocomposites for the food packaging sector.

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Polymer Nanocomposites for Food Packaging Applications

  • Soma Banerjee,
  • Ashish Kapoor,
  • Anjali Awasthi,
  • P. Rajasulochana

摘要

Polymer nanocomposites are emerging as a potential material in the food packaging sectors due to excellent barrier, antimicrobial properties along with ease of fabrication and low cost. For proper functioning of a packaging material, a number of factors such as compatibility, printability, sealability, moisture resistance, acid and alkali resistance, and ease of handling are essential. The safety and shelf life of the food contained is largely dependent on these factors. In this chapter, the scope of polymer nanocomposite as the packaging material has been discussed in detail. The types of polymer nanocomposites, matrices, and the nanofillers that are utilized for food packages have been covered in brief. In addition, the significance of barrier, mechanical, thermal, and antimicrobial properties for the safety and durability of the packaged food has been analyzed. The chapter also describes the potential of polymer nanocomposites in different areas of applications such as active, intelligent, sustainable, and biodegradable packages. The effect of plastic packages on the environment is unavoidable. Proper disposal or recycling of these materials is required to avoid long-term threat to the living organisms. Due to possible consequences of nanomaterials to health and toxicity concern, consumers are still hesitant for the acceptance of the polymer nanocomposites as food packages; however, defined regulation and implementation will definitely widen the utilization of nanomaterials in the food packaging sector. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview on the prospects of polymer nanocomposites for the food packaging sector.