A Comprehensive Review on the Role of Nanoclays in Biobased Food Packaging

The development of biodegradable packaging materials is becoming more popular as a way to extend the shelf life of food products as well as satisfy consumer needs for ecologically responsible packaging. Nanocomposite technology can be used to overcome the intrinsic drawbacks of natural polymer-based packaging materials, such as their inferior mechanical and barrier qualities. In an effort to produce nanoclays and nanolayered silicate as reinforcing filler composites for use in packaging materials, a great deal of research has been done in this area recently. Although there have been many uses for nanoclays in food packaging, the most popular types at the moment are montmorillonite (MMT), halloysite, bentonite (BT), cloisite, and biologically modified nanoclays. The use of nanoclays for reinforcement greatly enhances the mechanical, barrier, and thermal properties of the films. The purpose of the article is to examine the development of nanoclay-based food packaging materials.