Preparation of regenerated cellulose/montmorillonite nanocomposite films via ionic liquids

Regenerated cellulose/montmorillonite (RC/MMT) nanocomposite films were successfully prepared in ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BMIMCl) using solution casting method. The effect of MMT loading on the thermal, mechanical, gas permeability and water absorption properties of the nanocomposite films was investigated. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed a cellulose II crystalline structure and well dispersed MMT in RC/MMT nanocomposite films. Presence of MMT enhanced the thermal and thermal-oxidative stability and char yield of RC. The tensile strength and Young's modulus of RC films improved by 12% and 40%, respectively with the addition of 6 wt.% MMT. RC/MMT nanocomposite films exhibited improved gas barrier properties and water absorption resistance compared to RC. The results demonstrated that there is a possible interface interaction between cellulose and MMT which yielded better thermal and mechanical properties of the nanocomposite films as compared to pure cellulose. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.