Effect of crosslinker and nanoclay on starch and jute fabric based green nanocomposites

'Green' nanocomposites were prepared by solution induced intercalation method using starch, jute, glutaraldehyde, nanoclay and glycerol. The concentration of glycerol was optimised. The synthesized composites were characterized by various physicochemical and spectrochemical techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy study indicated an interaction between the jute, starch and clay. Good adhesion exists between starch and jute surface as revealed by scanning electron microscope study. The extent of exfoliation of clay was studied by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscope studies. The addition of glutaraldehyde and nanoclay has been found to improve the thermal stability, flame retardancy, dimensional stability and mechanical strength of the prepared composite. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.