Biodegradable polymernanocomposites for packaging applications

Abstract Biodegradable polymers have attracted a high interest in a wide range of applications, including packaging, due to the increasing social concerns. To meet the growing demand for sustainability and environmental safety, a number of studies using biodegradable polymers focused on the development of packaging products, is increasing in order to produce materials that could rapidly degrade and completely mineralize. Biodegradable polymers can be obtained from renewable resources (starch, chitin, cellulose, casein, zein, and soy protein), synthesized using fossil derivatives [poly(lactic acid) and poly(ɛ-caprolactone)] or produced by bacteria (polyhydroxyalkanoates). Unfortunately, the use of biopolymers as packaging materials has drawbacks, such as, poor mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties when compared to conventional nonbiodegradable materials. Due to this, many research efforts were made to improve properties of biopolymers, including the preparation of nanocomposite materials. This chapter presents examples of biodegradable polymers from different sources and the development of new materials, nanocomposites, for food-packaging applications.