Barrier and Mechanical Properties of Clay-Reinforced Polymeric Nanocomposites

Abstract

In this work, clay-based nanocomposites films were prepared by addition of clay-Na+ natural montmorillonite in pectin and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) matrices. Mechanical (tensile strength, elastic modulus, and elongation) and barrier (Water Vapor Permeability (WVP), and Oxygen permeability (O2P)) properties were investigated. From results, it was observed that the WVP and O2P decreased when nanoclay was included into the HPMC and pectin matrix films. Additionally, the incorporation of nanoclay in the films significantly improved the mechanical properties because the reinforcing effect of clay from its high aspect ratio and its enormous surface area. These results are very important in packaging area.