Preparation and Properties of Biodegradable Thermoplastic Starch/Clay Hybrids

Abstract

Biodegradable thermoplastic starch (TPS)/clay hybrids were prepared by melt intercalation. Three organically modified montmorillonite (MMT) with different ammonium cations and one unmodified Na+ MMT (Cloisite Na+) were used. Cloisite Na+ showed the best dispersion in the TPS matrix. It was observed that the TPS/Cloisite Na+ hybrid showed an intercalation of TPS in the silicate layer due to the matching of the surface polarity and interactions of the Cloisite Na+ and the TPS, which gives higher tensile strength and better barrier properties to water vapor as compared to the other TPS/organoclay hybrids as well as the pristine TPS. It was found that the dynamic mechanical properties of the TPS/clay hybrids were also affected by the polar interactions.