Cellulose nanobiocomposites with reinforcement of boron nitride: Study of thermal, oxygen barrier and chemical resistant properties

A series of cellulose based nanobiocomposites (cellulose/BN) were prepared with incorporation of various percentage of nano boron nitride (BN). The interaction between cellulose and boron nitride was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The structure of cellulose/BN nanobiocomposites was investigated by XRD, FESEM, and HRTEM. It was observed that the boron nitride nanoparticles were dispersed within cellulose matrix due to intercalation and partial exfoliation. The quantitative identification of nanobiocomposites was investigated by selected area electron diffraction (SAED). Thermal stabilities of the prepared nanobiocomposites were measured by thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) and it was found that thermal stability of the nanobiocomposites was higher than the virgin cellulose. The oxygen barrier property of cellulose/BN nanobiocomposites was measured using a gas permeameter and a substantial reduction in oxygen permeability due to increase in boron nitride loading was observed. Further it was noticed that the chemical resistance of the nanobiocomposites was more than the virgin cellulose. Hence, the prepared nanobiocomposite may be widely used for insulating and temperature resistant packaging materials. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.