Graphite-reinforced oxygen barrier conducting starch bionanocomposites

Starch bionanocomposites are prepared by reinforcement of chemically modified expanded graphite (EG) powder. The interaction of EG with starch is studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) whereas; the structural behavior is investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The starch/expanded graphite (starch/EG) bionanocomposites are characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) study. The thermal stability of starch is enhanced tremendously with incorporation of EG. An increase in conductivity is observed due to the increase in EG concentrations. The bionanocomposites are resistant towards acid and alkali with little sacrifice in biodegradability. A substantial reduction in permeability is observed due to dispersion of graphite platelets. The combining properties of thermal and chemical resistant along with the gas barrier behavior of starch bionanocomposites may enable the material for packaging applications. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:2083-2091, 2016. (c) 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers