Montmorillonite nanoclay based formulation for controlled and selective release of volatile essential oil compounds

In the current study, a green method that can be easily used in different industrial applications, based on modification of sodium exchanged montmorillonite (Na+-Mt) with essential oils (EO) such as thyme oil, thymol and carvacrol was presented. The obtained results show prepared clays-essential hybrids were promising nanomaterials to encapsulate active compounds control their release selectively functional applications. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis study adsorption EO, molecules, interlayer space. To verify into Na+-Mt layers determine temperature range where took place, thermogravimetric (TG) used. Attenuated total reflecting-Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy mechanism. space not affected by or molecules. adsorbed molecules from surface above 180 °C. Combination simulation all experimental results, confirm process thymol, place external i) hydrogen bonds between OH groups surface, ii) these shows EO like thyme, its constituents onto an inorganic porous material provides extended controlled chemical stability due protection against environmental conditions. addition, oil (like carvacrol) occurs selective time.