Nanocomposites based on gelatin and montmorillonite

Model gelatin/montmorillonite (Ge/MMt) composites were obtained for a variety of unmodified clay concentrations and in the absence of additives, with the main goal of evaluating the effect of the morphologies developed on the composites thermal stability. Morphologies turned form partially exfoliated to exfoliate/intercalated and eventually agglomerated with increasing clay loading, as was observed by atomic force microscopy. Formulations containing 3-10 mass% montmorillonite resulted in an enhancement of composites thermal stability due to stabilizing interactions between co-components, such as strong hydrogen-type bonds, in agreement with the partially exfoliated/intercalated morphologies. Higher clay concentrations showed lower stabilizing effect in agreement with the agglomerated structures developed and the less effective interactions between co-components.