Development of Biopolymer Nanocomposites Based on Polysaccharides Obtained from Red AlgaeChondracanthus chamissoiReinforced with Chitin Whiskers and Montmorillonite

Microscopic Techniques for the Analysis of Micro and Nanostructures of Biopolymers and Their Derivatives

“…SEM has been widely used for decades in the study and analysis of biopolymer systems to gain information pertaining to the structure, morphology, size, shape, surface modifications, wear and tear, etc. SEM studies have played pivotal roles in the analysis of biopolymers [115][116][117], biopolymer nanoparticles [118,119], biopolymer assisted nanoparticles [21][22][23], biopolymer nanocomposites [120][121][122][123][124], and biopolymer fibers [125][126][127][128]. SEM images can be helpful in observing and analyzing different particle structures varying from fibers to microparticles and nanocrystals [129,130]; SEM provides an effective way to analyze these particles and their surfaces, and a medium to measure the particle size and diameter as well [81] ( Figure 5).…”

Effect of Chitin Whiskers on the Molecular Dynamics of Carrageenan-Based Nanocomposites

“…DSC is shown not to have enough sensitivity to detect T g in these systems. [15] Thus, according to Mitsuiki et al [16], T g values of carrageenans are difficult to detect due to their small heat capacity change at the glass transition. Picker et al [17] reported that carrageenans T g is near to 273 K, measured by means of DSC.…”

“…The main limitations of carrageenan-based materials may be linked to their low water vapor barrier and low strength properties. In order to overcome these limitations, carrageenan-based nanocomposites using organic and non-organic reinforcements have been developed [10,15].…”

“…The present study is focused on the analysis of the effect of chitin nanowhiskers (CHW) on the physical properties of carrageenan films. The carrageenan used in this investigation was previously characterized and was classified as a hybrid kappa-iota (κ/i) carrageenan [15]. We have analyzed the molecular dynamic behavior by means of DRS of four types of samples: biodegradable pure carrageenan (KC), carrageenan-glycerol (KCg) and KCg with different contents of CHW as filler (5, 10 and 15 wt % ), named as KCg/5CHW, KCg/10CHW and KCg/15CHW, as a function of temperature and frequency.…”

“…We have analyzed the molecular dynamic behavior by means of DRS of four types of samples: biodegradable pure carrageenan (KC), carrageenan-glycerol (KCg) and KCg with different contents of CHW as filler (5, 10 and 15 wt % ), named as KCg/5CHW, KCg/10CHW and KCg/15CHW, as a function of temperature and frequency. In a previous paper, we have reported the chemical, mechanical and morphological characterization of these films [9,15]. In order to assess the effect of the nature of the nano-inclusions inserted in the carrageenan matrix (KCg), we have compared the DRS results reported in this paper with those published recently by our research group [38] for a related system; specifically, carrageenan composites reinforced with Cloisite ® Na + that is a layered montmorillonite (MMT) nanoclay.…”