Application of Vitamin B-1-Coated Carbon Nanotubes for the Production of Starch Nanocomposites with Enhanced Structural, Optical, Thermal and Cd(II) Adsorption Properties

The objective of this investigation was to meliorate the physicochemical properties of corn starch-based polymeric nanocomposites (PNCs) by accommodating different levels of thiamine chloride assigned as vitamin B-1 (VB)-treated carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The PNCs were acquired by solution casting method as a green method. The effect of CNTs@VB amounts on different properties of the PNCs including; hydrophilicity, structural properties, Cd(II) removal as well as optical traits was surveyed. Transmission electron microscope and field-emission scanning electron microscope images exposed that the CNTs@VB were fine distributed in the starch matrix. X-ray diffraction spectra of the PNCs displayed characteristic peak of the nanotube and also a decline in polymer crystallization after CNTs@VB incorporation. Compared with the intact starch, the PNCs indicated an improvement in thermal stability. The removal percentages of Cd(II) were amplified with raising adsorbent dosages to 0.08 g.