Biodegradable Natural Polymer Nano-Composite Films for Packaging Materials

Abstract

Nanocomposites based on cellulose acetate (CA), starch -cellulose acetate (ST-CA) matrix reinforced with clay, and starch -polyvinyl (ST-PVA) reinforced with zinc oxide (ZnO) nano- particles were prepared by solvent-casting technique using gamma irradiation. The structure, morphology and thermal properties of the nanocomposite films were investigated by FTIR, XRD, SEM, TGA and DSC. The nanocomposite films based on CA matrix reinforced with clay were prepared using DMF as solvent in the presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG) as plasticizer and irradiated with 10 kGy in order to improve their properties. The effect of clay and PEG contents on mechanical properties, oxygen and water permeability were studied. The results indicated significant changes in the opacity index, mechanical properties, water and oxygen permeability with respect to clay and PEG contents. The prepared nanocomposites showed intercalation of polymer inside the