ABSTRACT
In recent years, biopolymer-based packaging materials have experienced a renewed industry and research focus. Such biopolymers include naturally occurring materials such as proteins, cellulose, and starches and synthetic materials such as polylactic acid that are manufactured from naturally derived monomers. Biopolymer-based packaging has the potential to replace plastics, as the latter are not only dependent on non-renewable resources such as petroleum for production but are also toxic to the environment. However, properties and performance of biopolymer-based packaging materials need much improvement. A new class of materials represented by biopolymer based nanocomposites or bio-nanocomposites have proven to be a promising option in this direction. Selection of proper techniques for characterization of these bio-nanocomposites is very critical in assessing their performance. This chapter reviews analytical techniques for the structural characterization of biopolymer-based nanocomposites, including X-ray diffraction, scanning electron micrsocopy, tunneling electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and spectroscopic techniques such as Fourier-transform infra-red and nuclear magnetic resonance. The relative strengths and drawback of these techniques are provided, and their application in understanding the interaction between nanoparticles and biopolymer matrix and synthesis of improved bio-nanocomposites is discussed.
