ABSTRACT
The addition of small quantities of nanoparticles to conventional and sustainable thermoplastics leads to property enhancements with considerable potential in many areas of applications including food packaging,1 lightweight composites, and high performance materials.2 In the case of sustainable polymers,3 the addition of nanoparticles may well sufciently enhance properties such that the portfolio of possible applications is greatly increased. Most engineered nanoparticles are highly stable and these exist as nanoparticles prior to compounding with the polymer resin. They remain as nanoparticles during the active use of the packaging material as well as in the subsequent waste and recycling streams. It is also possible to construct the nanoparticles within the polymer lms during processing from organic compounds selected to present minimal or no potential health hazards.4
