Abstract

Physical and mechanical properties of polyvinyl alcohol/starch/ carboxy methyl cellulose/montmorillonite nanocomposite films

Author(s): Mohammad Taghi Taghizadeh, Narges Sabouri, Babak Ghanbarzadeh

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) / starch (S) /Carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) / MMT (Montmorillonite) bionanocomposite filmswere prepared fromPVA, MMT, CMC and soluble starch aqueous suspensions by casting method in the presence of a plasticizer that contained glycerol. The clay dispersion in the films was analyzed by XRD (X-ray diffraction). XRD test showed that the clay nanolayers formed an exfoliated structure. The effect ofMMT loading on themorphology, thermal behavior andmechanical properties of the films were investigated by means of SEM (Scanning electron microscopy), DSC (Differential scanning calorimetry) and tensile testing. SEM photographs demonstrated a homogeneous dispersion of MMT within the PVA/S/CMC matrix as well as a strong interfacial adherence between matrix and fillers, which led to an increase of glass transition temperature. With the addition of 1% nanoclay, there was an increase in the tensile strength. The addition of MMT improved the thermal resistance of biocomposites.