ABSTRACT
Due to the environmental concern left by polymers from non-renewable sources and that consequently their decomposition time is excessively slow, the demand for polymers from renewable sources or biopolymers for various uses has recently increased. One of the disadvantages of biopolymers is their thermal and mechanical properties, therefore research on biopolymers is currently being conducted to overcome these limitations. Studies of mixtures of different polymers have been carried out, both conventional and biopolymers that are analyzed in this chapter. Physical or chemical modifications have also been made or metallic nanoparticles have even been added to obtain reinforced films (nanocomposites) with the intention of improving mechanical, thermal, antimicrobial properties, water vapor / oxygen barrier properties that have shown improvements in materials for various applications. Finally, the applications of synthetic polymers and biopolymers are addressed.
