Effects of Starch Nanocrystals and Sodium Montmorillonite on the Structure and Properties of Polyvinyl Alcohol Nanocomposite Films

In order to develop a new eco-friendly nanocomposite based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), starch nanocrystals (SNCs) were used along with sodium montmorillonite nanoclay (Na+-MMT). Thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) results of PVOH/SNC/Na+-MMT nanocomposites prepared by casting method revealed that hybrid nanocomposites possess a different thermal behavior in comparison to pure polyvinyl alcohol. Furthermore, mechanical properties as well as morphology of the nanocomposites were investigated by stress-strain tests. The nanocomposite showed the optimum amount of tensile strength, modulus and elongation at the percentage of 1.5% for both SNCs and nanoclays. The main purpose was to study the effect of two nanofillers on the mechanical properties and thermal behavior of PVOH as a semi-crystalline polymer in the presence of glycerol as plasticizer

Keywords:

Starch nanocrystals , Sodium montmorillonite , Nanocomposite , Tensile Test , Thermogravimetric Analysis