A review of high performance polymer nanocomposites for packaging applications in electronics and food industries

This article addresses advances in polymeric nanocomposites for packaging applications. Synthetic and biodegradable polymers have been reinforced with carbon nanotube, graphite, graphene and derived nanofiller, nanoclay, and inorganic nanoparticles to form high performance packaging materials. Polymeric nanocomposites possess markedly improved packaging properties including oxygen permeability, moisture permeability, barrier properties, solvent resistance, thermal stability, biological features, anti-microbial characteristics, non-flammability, and mechanical robustness. Performance of nanocomposite films and packaging is dependent on how well the nanofiller is dispersed in matrices. Modified nanofillers have been used to impart the desired functional properties to the packaging materials. Technical packaging applications in electronics and food and beverage industries are discussed. Using appropriate polymer, functional nanofiller, and fabrication techniques may represent inspiring routes for creating innovative packaging materials with enhanced mechanical, thermal, and barrier performances.