Journal of Nanomedicine & Nanotechnology

The use of nanotechnology in biodegradable films and coatings

4^th International Conference on Nanotek & Expo

December 01-03, 2014 DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Francisco Airport, USA

Farayde Matta Fakhouri

Accepted Abstracts: J Nanomed Nanotechnol

Abstract:

In recent years, bio-based products have emerged as alternative to petroleum-based polymers in relevant niches of the packaging industry. The bio-based packaging is made from raw materials originating from natural sources, such as starch, cellulose, chitin or bio-degradable synthetic polymers such as, polycaprolactone and polylactic acid. In spite of several desirable properties of biodegradable polymers (e.g. fully renewable, non toxic), some properties like melt strength, impact strength, thermal stability, permeability, etc still do not meet the demands for some end-use applications and must be improved. One way to improve the properties of biopolymers and greatly enhance their commercial potential is to incorporate nanosized reinforcement in the polymer. In this research work, some of traditional nanosized reinforcements such as clay and more recent such as cellulose nanocrystals will be presented in applications like food packaging, mulching films and coatings in order to extend shelf life of fresh fruits. Some examples of current research of our group will be presented.

Biography :

Farayde Matta Fakhouri has completed her PhD at the University of Campinas (UNICAMP) and postdoctoral studies at the University of Londrina (UEL) and Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA). She is currently Professor at Faculty of Engineering, in the University of Grande Dourados (UFGD) and Researcher Contributor at the Faculty of Chemical Engineering at UNICAMP. She has published more than 16 papers in reputed journals and has served as an editorial board member of repute. Also she has over 5 chapters of books published internationally and two patent applications.