Preparation and characterization of poly(3-hydroxy-butyrate)/Cloisite25A nanocomposites

Abstract

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)/Cloisite25A (PHB/25A) nanocomposites were prepared by solution-intercalation method. The intercalation of PHB chains between the layers of Cloisite25A was observed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and non-isothermal thermogravimetry (TG) analysis were performed to study the thermal properties, crystallization and the thermal degradation of the prepared nanocomposites. DSC analysis indicates that Cloisite25A acts as a nucleating agent and increases the crystallization rate of PHB, but due to intercalation reduces its overall degree of crystallinity. TG analysis shows that addition of Cloisite25A enhances the thermal stability of PHB.