Subject wrapping with polymers

Polylactides (PLA) may have many potential applications for an important set of products but some of their properties should be improved to obtain similar performance to petroleum-based commodities. One of the most important current applications of PLA is food packaging, in particular for short-shelf-life products with common applications such as rigid containers, drinking cups, over-wrap and lamination films. PLA production and consumption are expected to increase therefore research into the variation of PLA mechanical and barrier properties is currently very active. The control of barrier properties in PLA films is possible by modification of the polymer network through the formation of intramolecular and inter-molecular covalent crosslinking, for example by applying thermal treatment, or by modifying the chemical composition. Another method is to incorporate fillers, in particular layered nanoclays, and this will be the subject of this chapter. 

Biopolymers have also been used to wrap CNTs in efforts to functionalize them for aqueous dispersion. Chitosan, poly(L-lactide) [93], and cellulose [94] are some of the polymers that are commonly employed. Chitosan in particular has been the subject of considerable research because of the ease with which it is functionalized. For instance, enzyme attachment has been used to produce robust chemical sensors for glucose [95,96]. Layered arrangement of chitosan/CNT composite produced a low-power requirement electrochemical actuator with superior mechanical properties and repeatability [97]. 

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