Materials Combinations

Chapter
First Online:
Part of the SpringerBriefs in Molecular Science book series (BRIEFSMOLECULAR)

Abstract

A single material is used rarely alone in the manufacturing of final packages, in particular when speaking of flexible packaging. Various materials can be used in order to assemble a structure with interesting properties (logistic advantages, ameliorated shelf lives of packaged products, opportunities for recycling and environmental impacts). This reflection should address more attention to the possible development of high-performing packages which can extend shelf lives and better protect foods. The most important technologies used to arrange together different materials in order to achieve more performing packages—multilayer structures, composites, polymer blends and alloys—are shortly described in this chapter with emphasis on chemical aspects.

Keywords

Alloys Blends Coating Coextrusion Composites Environmental impact Lamination Multilayer materials Polymers Recycling 

Abbreviations

ACC

All-cellulose composite

α

Aspect ratio

CNCs

Cellulose nanocrystals

EMAA

Ethylene-methacrylic acid

EVA

Ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer

EVOH

Ethylene vinyl alcohol

GWP

Global warming potential

HDPE

High-density polyethylene

HIPS

High-impact polystyrene

IUPAC

International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry

LDPE

Low-density polyethylene

MEK

Methyl ethyl ketone

OPA

Oriented polyamide

OPP

Oriented polypropylene

PO2

Oxygen permeability

PA

Polyamide

PET

Polyethylene Terephthalate

PA/MXD 6

Poly(m-xylyleneadipamide)PA/MXD 6

PP

Polypropylene

PU

Polyurethane

PVOH

Polyvinyl alcohol

PVDC

Polyvinylidene chloride

PAA

Primary aromatic amine

A/V

Surface area/volume

VOC

Volatile organic compound

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Copyright information

© The Author(s) 2016

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS)Università degli Studi di MilanoMilanItaly

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