Effect of nanoboron nitride on the physical and chemical properties of soy protein

The nanocomposites of soy protein/boron nitride (soy/BN) were prepared successfully via solution technique with reinforcement of nanoboron nitride (BN). The dispersion of BN in the soy protein biopolymer was achieved by continuous sonication process. The interaction between soy protein and boron nitride was studied by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The structural properties of hybrid nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The thermal property of soy/BN nanocomposites were studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). A significant improvement of thermal stability of soy protein was achieved due to incorporation of nanoBN. The substantial reduction in oxygen permeability was obtained by increasing the boron nitride loading. The biodegradability of the hybrid nanocomposite was studied using sludge water for 180 days. Further, it was found that the hybrid materials were resistant to mineral acid and alkali. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.