Effect of Fe3+–MMT on thermal degradation and mechanical behavior of PVP/Amylose nanocomposite films

Novel nanocomposite films based on amylose (AM) and Fe3+-montmorillonite (Fe3+–MMT) in the matrix of poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) were fabricated by using a solution casting method. The X-Ray diffractional analysis indicated that an ion-exchange process occurred between Fe3+–MMT and PVP. Thermogravimetrical analysis (TGA), differential termogravivetrical analysis (DTG), Scanning Electron microscopy (SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results hinted to PVP/AM films forming a stabler network through the dispersion of Fe3+ cations. An increase in the loading of Fe3+–MMT improved the hydrophilic properties of PVP/AM films, which lead to the high degree of resistance against on the water absorption. Mechanical properties of PVP/AM films influenced by the uniform dispersion of Fe3+–MMT in polymer network established with strong covalent interactions between PVP/AM and Fe3+–MMT. This interaction not only improved the mechanical properties of the films, but also enhanced the thermal stability of them through the facilitating of the MMT dispersion within the polymer matrix.