Gelatin/montmorillonite hybrid nanocomposite. I. Preparation and properties

TLDR: Gelatin/montmorillonite (MMT) hybrid nanocomposite was directly prepared with unmodified MMT and gelatin aqueous solution, and the properties of the composite were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and tensile tests as discussed by the authors.

Abstract: Gelatin/montmorillonite (MMT) hybrid nanocomposite was directly prepared with unmodified MMT and gelatin aqueous solution. Thermal and mechanical properties of the composite were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and tensile tests. The results indicated that an intercalated or partially exfoliated nanocomposite could be achieved, and the properties of the composite were significantly improved. A Tg peak of high temperature disappeared in the DSC curve of the composite, and the thermogravity and thermally decomposed rate decreased obviously. The tensile strength and Young's modulus were also improved notably, which varied with MMT content, as well as the pH of gelatin matrix. Meanwhile, SEM photographs showed a plasticizing trend of gelatin fracture surface due to intercalation with MMT. Furthermore, the wet mechanical behavior was initially studied. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 1189–1194, 2002