Dispersion of Silicate Layers in Zein/Montmorilloni te Composite Films Using Two Sonication Method

Abstract

This study aimed to prepare zein/Montmorillonite (M MT) composite films by two methods: (1) An ultrasonic bath, and (2) A high pow er ultrasonic probe. Then, the structural, thermal, mechanical, and barrier proper ties of the obtained composites were evaluated. According to the X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) patterns, the composite films prepared by the first and second methods had microc omposite and exfoliated structures, respectively. Based on the results of the statistic al analysis, the clay dispersion method and Montmorillonite (MMT) content significantly aff ected the mechanical, barrier, and thermal properties of the composite films. The resu lts showed that mechanical and water vapor barrier properties of the nanocomposites were improved in the presence of small amounts (up to 3%) of MMT, while increased montmori llonite percentage in the microcomposite films weakened the mechanical, barri er, and thermal properties of these films. Therefore, the use of high power sonication is a suitable method for producing protein-based nanocomposites with an exfoliated str ucture. Keyword: Barrier properties, Microcomposite, Nanocomposite, Ultrasonic bath, Ultrasonic. Probe.