The composites based on plasticized starch and carbon nanotubes

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Plasticized starch (PS) is a biodegradable polymer with potential applications but often limited mechanical properties.
• Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are known for their exceptional mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties.
• Modifying CNTs can improve their dispersion and compatibility with polymer matrices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare and characterize nanocomposite films using plasticized starch and modified carbon nanotubes.
• To investigate the effect of different forms of modified CNTs (OCNT and RCNT) on the properties of plasticized starch.
• To evaluate the mechanical, moisture resistance, and electrical conductivity properties of the developed nanocomposites.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of CNT oxide (OCNT) via Hummer's method and reduced CNT (RCNT) by glucose reduction.
• Fabrication of nanocomposite films using a simple casting method with plasticized starch and CNTs (CNTs, OCNTs, RCNTs).
• Characterization using thermogravimetric analysis (TG), UV-vis spectroscopy, tensile testing, and electrical conductivity measurements.

Main Results:

• OCNTs and RCNTs contained significant oxygen-containing groups (15wt% and 8wt%, respectively).
• CNTs, OCNTs, and RCNTs showed good stability in water with a dispersant.
• The nanocomposites exhibited a significant reinforcing effect on the plasticized starch matrix.
• Composites with 4wt% RCNT achieved a maximum tensile strength of 19.5 MPa, a substantial increase from 3.89 MPa for pure PS.
• PS/CNT composites demonstrated the best moisture resistance.
• All PS-based nanocomposites showed comparable electrical conductivities.

Conclusions:

• Modified carbon nanotubes effectively reinforce plasticized starch films.
• The developed nanocomposites show improved mechanical properties and moisture resistance compared to pure plasticized starch.
• The study highlights the potential of using modified CNTs to enhance the performance of biodegradable starch-based materials.