Preparation and Characterization of EG-Chitosan Nanocomposites via Direct Exfoliation: A Green Methodology

Abstract

In this study, free-standing expanded graphite chitosan (EG-chitosan) nanocomposite films have been prepared using a novel green and simple preparation method, starting from a commercial expandable graphite (GIC). The in situ exfoliation of GIC by a solvent-free sonication method was monitored as a function of the process parameters using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and UV-visible transmittance (UV-VIS) analyses. The optimal process parameters were selected in order to obtain an efficient dispersion of EG in chitosan solutions. The effective EG amount after the in situ exfoliation was also determined by thermogravimetric analyses.