Amine functionalised nanoclay incorporated hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose nanocomposites: synthesis and characterisation

Amine functionalised nanoclay that can be easily exfoliated in water was used in the preparation of eco-friendly polymer nanocomposite films based on hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). These nanocomposite films were characterised using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analysis. Incorporation of this nanoclay helped to improve the mechanical and barrier properties of nanocomposite films. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies proved that this nanoclay has also affected the thermal properties of HPMC. These nanocomposite films proved to have better properties than conventional montmorillonite containing HPMC nanocomposites.