A Review of Experimental and Modeling Techniques to Determine Properties of Biopolymer‐Based Nanocomposites

Abstract

The nonbiodegradable and nonrenewable nature of plastic packaging has led to a renewed interest in packaging materials based on bio-nanocomposites (biopolymer matrix reinforced with nanoparticles such as layered silicates). One of the reasons for unique properties of bio-nanocomposites is the difference in physics at nanoscale as compared to that at macroscale. Therefore, the effect of nanoscale on the properties of bio-nanocomposites is discussed. Properties of bio-nanocomposites are governed by the extent of dispersion of nanoparticles in the biopolymer matrix and interaction between nanoparticles and the biopolymer. Selection of proper technique to determine properties of these bio-nanocomposites is very critical in assessing their performance. Experimental techniques (tensile testing, barrier property measurement, dynamic mechanical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, rheological measurement) to determine the mechanical, barrier, thermal, and rheological properties of bio-nanocomposites are discussed in terms of methodology, interpretation of results, and application in studying the properties of bio-nanocomposites. Mathematical modeling plays an important role in predicting the properties of bio-nanocomposites and comparing them to the measured properties. This comparison helps in better understanding the mechanism for much improved properties of bio-nanocomposites. Mathematical modeling is also helpful in understanding the effects of different parameters on the properties of bio-nanocomposites. Therefore, the article describes mathematical modeling of mechanical and barrier properties of bio-nanocomposites using analytical micromechanics.

Gas barrier properties of polymer/clay nanocomposites

“…16 Compared to PNCs, polymer blends and multilayer lms have higher production and materials costs, require the use of additional additives and adhesives that complicate their regulation by federal agencies, and entail added difficulty when it comes to recycling. 2,9,14,16,42,[49][50][51][52] Owing to their unique layered structure, rich intercalation chemistry and availability at low cost, clay minerals are promising nanoparticle reinforcements for polymers to manufacture low-cost, lightweight and high performance nanocomposites. Therefore, considerable research effort has been devoted to develop new strategies for enhancing barrier properties and to understand the structurebarrier properties relationship of PNCs.…”

Development of biobased polymer/clay nanocomposites

“…As mentioned by Kumar et al (2011), the properties of biobased polymer/clay nanocomposites are influenced by the solubility of clay nanofillers in biopolymer matrices and the interaction between nanofillers and biopolymer matrices. Furthermore, additives can improve the properties of biobased polymer/clay nanocomposites as reported by Lu and Wool (2008), which analyzed two different types of additives, carboxyl terminated poly (butadiene-co-acrylonitrile) and vinyl terminated poly(nutadiene-coacrylonitrile), to improve the toughness of triglyceride-based thermosetting polymer.…”

Soy Protein- and Starch-Based Green Composites/Nanocomposites: Preparation, Properties, and Applications

“…In the nanocomposite industry, a reinforcing particle is usually considered as one where at least one of its linear dimensions is smaller than 100 nm (Kumar et al 2011). The addition (loading) of nanomaterials to polymers leads to significant changes in their physical, mechanical as well as thermal properties.…”

“…Soy protein-based green composites are not only applied as an environmental friendly material in the fields of adhesives (Kumar et al 2002), plastics (Kumar et al 2011), and textile fibers (Kobayashi et al 2014), but also as biodegradable membranes (Maruthi et al 2014). Furthermore, the nutritional and health benefits of soy protein draw attention to the application in the field of biomedical materials (Silva et al 2014), such as tissue engineering scaffolds (Chien and Shah 2012), wound dressing material (Ong et al 2008), and drug delivery system (Chen et al 2006).…”