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Montmorillonite/graphene oxide/chitosan composite: Synthesis, characterization and properties
Mithilesh Yadav1, Sharif Ahmad1
1Materials Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
|June 7, 2015
Summary
This study developed high-performance chitosan composite films reinforced with montmorillonite (MMT) and graphene oxide (GO). The MMT/GO/chitosan films exhibit enhanced thermal stability and significantly improved tensile strength, showing a synergistic reinforcing effect.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Chitosan (CS) is a versatile biopolymer with potential applications in various fields.
- Enhancing the mechanical and thermal properties of chitosan-based materials is crucial for advanced applications.
- Montmorillonite (MMT) and graphene oxide (GO) are known for their reinforcing capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prepare and characterize high-performance composite films using Na(+) montmorillonite (MMT), graphene oxide (GO), and chitosan (CS).
- To investigate the synergistic effect of MMT and GO on the thermal and mechanical properties of chitosan films.
- To evaluate the potential of these composites for advanced material applications.
Main Methods:
- Composite films were prepared using a simple solution mixing and evaporation method.
- Film formation and structural integrity were confirmed using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy.
- Thermal stability was assessed using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and mechanical properties were evaluated using tensile testing (Instron 8871).
Main Results:
- The successful preparation of homogeneous Na(+) montmorillonite (MMT)/graphene oxide (GO)/chitosan (CS) composite films was confirmed.
- A synergistic reinforcing effect between MMT and GO on the chitosan matrix was observed, particularly at 5 wt.% MMT and 1 wt.% GO.
- The tensile strength of the (5 wt.%) MMT/(1 wt.%) GO/CS composite film was found to be 9±0.23% higher than the (1 wt.%) GO/CS composite and 27±0.25% higher than pure chitosan.
Conclusions:
- The developed MMT/GO/CS composite films exhibit enhanced thermal stability and superior mechanical properties compared to pure chitosan and GO/CS composites.
- The findings demonstrate a significant synergistic reinforcing effect of MMT and GO in the chitosan matrix.
- These high-performance composite films hold promise for applications requiring enhanced material properties.
