Thermal, Morphological and Mechanical Properties of Multifunctional Composites Based on Biodegradable Polymers/Bentonite Clay: A Review

The extensive use of non-biodegradable plastic products has resulted in significant environmental problems caused by their accumulation landfills and proliferation into water bodies. Biodegradable polymers offer a potential solution to mitigate these issues through the utilization renewable resources which are abundantly available biodegradable, making them environmentally friendly. However, biodegradable face challenges such as relatively low mechanical strength thermal resistance, inferior gas barrier properties, processability, economic viability. To overcome limitations, researchers investigating incorporation nanofillers, specifically bentonite clay, polymeric matrices. Bentonite clay is an aluminum phyllosilicate with interesting properties high cation exchange capacity, large surface area, compatibility. achieving complete dispersion nanoclays matrices remains challenge due materials’ hydrophilic hydrophobic nature. Several methods employed prepare polymer–clay nanocomposites, including casting, melt extrusion, spraying, inkjet printing, electrospinning. nanocomposites versatile promising various industrial applications electromagnetic shielding, energy storage, electronics, flexible electronics. Additionally, combining other fillers graphene can significantly reduce production costs compared exclusive carbon nanotubes or metallic matrix. This work reviews development clay-based composites for multifunctional applications. composition, structure, preparation methods, characterization techniques discussed, along future directions this field.