15 - Polymer nanocomposites for food-packaging applications

Abstract

In polymer science, polymer nanocomposites have been at the cutting edge for the past few decades. By introducing nanofillers into polymer matrix, the superior properties of polymer nanocomposites propose a revolution not only in the plastics industry but also in the food-packaging sector. To complement the extensive literature currently available, we pay attention to two different types of smart food-packaging applications contributed by polymer nanocomposites: (1) active packaging applications and (2) smart packaging applications. For the first part, we mainly focus on the antibacterial and antioxidant ability benefitted by the addition of functional nanofillers. For the second part, applications of responsive polymer nanocomposites in smart food-packaging materials are discussed. Each section provides a brief summary of introduction, description of technological advances, and remarkable examples. By analyzing each examples with practical applications in food-packaging industry, we emphasize the critical fundamental science needed to further expand the feasibility of these materials for food-packaging applications.