Effect of cellulose-nanoparticles (CNPs) and nanoclay (NC) reinforced starch based biocomposite films on thermal and mechanical properties

AbstractThis paper explores the effect of nanoclay as improvement to the interfacial properties of starch bioplastic material filled with cellulose-nanoparticles (CNPs). At the initial, cornstarch bioplastics filled with CNPs were prepared. The CNPs were prepared through acid-hydrolysis process by using acid concentration to break the amorphous region of chopped fiber to produce nano-cellulose. Various CNPs concentration (0.5–2.5 wt.%) were dispersed in cornstarch biopolymer matrix. Cornstarch bioplastic reinforced with 1.5 wt.% of CNPs showed optimum improvement in thermal and mechanical properties. Furthermore, nanoclay (NC) of varying weight percentage (0.1–0.5 wt. %) were added to the optimum improved 1.5 wt.% CNP/cornstarch biopolymer material solution. Hence, cellulose-nanoparticles/nanoclay (CNPs/NC) reinforced cornstarch bioplastic films were formed by solution casting method.