Synthesis of gas barrier starch by dispersion of functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes

Nanocomposite films were prepared successfully by simple solution casting method from plasticized starch/functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (PS/f-MWCNTs). The interaction of starch with functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube (f-MWCNT) was evidenced by ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy and Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The morphological and thermal properties of the composite films were investigated using scanning electron microscope (SEM), high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). The electrical conductivity of the composites was increased significantly by sixteen times, from 0.1 x 10(-9) to 1.6 x 10(-9) S/cm. This reveals better dispersion of f-MWCNT with low concentration of f-MWCNT. The oxygen permeability of the composites was reduced by half as compared to virgin PS. This indicates better dispersion of f-MWCNT in PS matrix due to formation of strong hydrogen bonding with PS matrix. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.