Effect of Nano-Fillers on Tensile Properties of Biopolymer Films

Microcrystalline cellulose, cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), calcium carbonate nanoparticles, hydrophilic nanoclay and hydrophobic nanoclay, were separately added as fillers to konjac glucomannan, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and zein to investigate their effect on tensile properties of nanocomposite films. DMA results on biopolymer films confirmed significant differences between neat polymers due their different molecular weight and chemical structure. Fillers, at 2% load (w/w), affected film properties depending on their size, shape, and surface chemistry. Good dispersibility and the extent of polymer-filler interactions controlled the effect of nanofillers on film properties. Hydrophilic nanoclay and CNC better interacted with biopolymer matrices.