Influence of the hydrophilicity of montmorillonite on structure and properties of thermoplastic wheat starch/montmorillonite bionanocomposites

The increasing environmental pollution with petroleum-based plastics has advanced research on biodegradable polymers. Thermoplastic starch (TPS) is one promising candidate due to wide availability from various renewable sources, low cost and biodegradability. However, TPS significant shortcomings, as high water sensitivity mechanical properties. An approach overcome these drawbacks adding nanofillers reinforcement of the matrix. Among nanofillers, montmorillonite clays have advantages a availability, cost, versatility friendliness. Bionanocomposites based wheat plasticized glycerol reinforced three types nanoclays, natural (Cloisite Na+) two organomodified 30B Cloisite 10A), were prepared by melt processing. effect nanoclay type amount processing properties, thermal stability, dynamic properties absorption was widely investigated. strongly depended dispersion state in improved hydrophilicity nanoclay. Na+, most hydrophilic nanoclay, effective reinforcing TPS, improving stability showing greater resistance normal humidity environments. andCloisite Na+ can be good alternative for use packaging applications.