Nanocomposites of moisture-sensitive polymers and biopolymers with enhanced performance for flexible packaging applications

Ethylene–vinyl alcohol copolymers, polyamides, polyvinyl alcohol and, since more recently, some biopolymers are materials with broad applications in high-barrier packaging due to transparency and superior oxygen barrier. However, these materials suffer from strong plasticization in properties due to sorption of moisture, which handicaps their application under high-moisture conditions such as those applied in many packaging cases. This article shows the development of novel nanocomposites based on an optimized kaolinite grade, commercially marketed as O 2 Block®, which exhibit enhanced ultraviolet and decreased oxygen permeability, by up to 70%, as well as reduced both water permeability, by up to 50%, and sensitivity.