Thermal behavior of biodegradable bionanocomposites: influence of bentonite and vermiculite clays

Abstract

The aim of this study was to manufacture and characterize bionanocomposites based on a poly(hydroxybutyrate)/polyethylene glycol blend (PHB/PEG) filled with an organobentonite (CLT1 and CLT3) or an organovermiculite (VMT1 and VMT3) in concentrations of 1 and 3 wt%. The systems were prepared by solution intercalation and further characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. The use of these bionanocomposites aimed at improving the processing and compatibility of this blend in search of new properties and possible applications of these films in food disposable packaging. The thermal stability of the system varied according to the type of clay and, consequently, the chemical structure of the quaternary ammonium salt used. The VMT1, VMT3 and CLT3 systems showed increased degrees of crystallinity compared to neat PHB. Differences in bionanocomposites structure can be related to the type of clay used as two types of PHB/PEG blend. Keywords: PHB, Blends, Bionanocomposites, Clays, Thermal behavior