Characterization techniques and fabrication methods used for nanocomposites

Polymer nanocomposites have emerged as efficient food packaging materials, due to their enhanced thermal, mechanical, and barrier properties. Their use in the packaging industry is aided by their affordability and light weight. Though biocomposites are potential materials for food packaging when taking into account highly desired qualities like biodegradability, their inadequate barrier and mechanical properties prevent them from being widely used in the food packaging industry. The chapter goes into great detail about the fabrication and characterization methods for packaging materials, including direct casting, spray coating, spread coating, dipping, layer-by-layer assembly, extrusion, etc. Various characterization techniques can be used to determine the packaging material's mechanical, thermal, optical, and barrier properties, which are crucial for the viability of packaging materials and are discussed in detail.