Hwanman Park - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Hwanman Park

Research paper thumbnail of Preparation and characterization of biodegradable methyl cellulose/montmorillonite nanocomposite films

Applied Clay Science, 2010

Abstract Procedures for the preparation of methyl cellulose/montmorillonite (MC/MMT) nanocomposit... more Abstract Procedures for the preparation of methyl cellulose/montmorillonite (MC/MMT) nanocomposite films were optimized by testing 30 procedures including differences in type of mixing, speed of mixing and time of mixing. The characterization of films by XRD and TEM indicated that a procedure involving mixing by a homogenizator was the most suitable nanocomposite film preparation method. The effect of MMT concentration on some properties of MC/MMT nanocomposite films was also investigated. It was found that the increase in the MMT concentration caused an increase in the film thickness and opacity values of MC/MMT nanocomposite films, whereas the increase in MMT concentration led to a decrease in their water adsorption and water solubility.

Research paper thumbnail of Tensile properties, morphology, and biodegradability of blends of starch with various thermoplastics

Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2002

In the present study, blends of starch with different thermoplastics were prepared by a melt blen... more In the present study, blends of starch with different thermoplastics were prepared by a melt blending technique. The tensile properties and morphology of the blends were measured. It was found that with increasing starch content in starch/ionomer blends, the tensile strength and modulus increase. But for starch/low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and starch/aliphatic polyester (APES) blends, tensile strength and modulus decrease with increasing the starch loading. Elongation at break values of all the blend systems decrease with increasing starch loading. The scanning electron micrographs (SEM) support the findings of tensile properties. Better homogeneity is observed in starch/ ionomer systems compared with that in starch/APES and starch/LDPE systems. Up to 50% starch content, the starch/ ionomer blends appear as a single phase. The extent of phase interactions of starch/APES system lies in between the starch/LDPE and starch/ionomer systems. From the biodegradability studies of the blends it was found that, although the pure LDPE and ionomer are not biodegradable, the starch/LDPE and starch/ionomer blends are biodegradable with an appreciable rate. The rate of biodegradation of the starch/APES is very high as both the components are biodegradable.

Research paper thumbnail of Graphite nanoplatelets: A nanoreinforcement for modifying mechanical, thermal, electrical and barrier properties of polyolefins

Research paper thumbnail of Compositions d’esters de cellulose et de silicates stratifiés et procédé pour leur préparation

Des composites d’esters de cellulose, un plastifiant, un compatibiliseur maleate et une argile mo... more Des composites d’esters de cellulose, un plastifiant, un compatibiliseur maleate et une argile modifiee organiquement sont decrits. Les composites ont une tension, une resistance a la flexion, un module, une stabilite dimensionnelle et une temperature de distorsion a chaud superieurs.

Research paper thumbnail of Compositions of cellulose esters and layered silicates and process for the prepration thereof

Research paper thumbnail of Injection molded green nanocomposite materials from renewable resources

Injection molded 'green' nanocomposites have been successfully fabricated from cellulose ... more Injection molded 'green' nanocomposites have been successfully fabricated from cellulose acetate (CA), triethyl citrate (TEC) plasticizer and organically modified clay. The effects of processing conditions, amount of plasticizer, various types and content of organo-clays on the performance of these nanocomposites has been evaluated. The cellulosic plastic with 80 wt. % pure cellulose acetate and 20 wt.% triethyl citrate plasticizer was used as the polymer matrix for nanocomposite fabrication. The morphologies of these nanocomposites were evaluated through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies. The mechanical properties of nanocomposites have been are correlated with the XRD and TEM observations. Cellulosic plastic-based nanocomposites with 5 and 10 wt.% organoclay showed better exfoliated and intercalated structure than the counterpart having 15 wt.% organo-clay. The tensile strength and modulus of cellulosic plastic reinforced with 10 wt.% organo-clay was improved by 75 and 180% respectively. Thermal stability of cellulosic plastic is increased as a result of nano-reinforcement.

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of blending sequence on the microstructure and properties of PBT/EVA-g-MAH/organoclay ternary nanocomposites

Polymer Engineering & Science, 2002

... 15. X. С. Li. Т. К. Rang, WJ Cho, JK Lee, and С S. Ha. Macromol Rapid Comm., 22, 1310 (2001).... more ... 15. X. С. Li. Т. К. Rang, WJ Cho, JK Lee, and С S. Ha. Macromol Rapid Comm., 22, 1310 (2001). 16. ... 20. SJ Kim, BS Shin, JL Hong, WJ Cho, and С S. Ha, Polymer, 42, 4073 (2001). 21. WR Haie, H. Keskkule, and DR Paul, Polymer, 40, 3353(1999). 22. WR Haie. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of Compatibilizer on Nanostructure of the Biodegradable Cellulose Acetate/Organoclay Nanocomposites

Macromolecules, 2004

Biodegradable nanocomposites were successfully fabricated from cellulose acetate (CA) plasticized... more Biodegradable nanocomposites were successfully fabricated from cellulose acetate (CA) plasticized with triethyl citrate (TEC), and combined with Cloisite 30B organoclay, using maleic anhydride grafted cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB-g-MA) as the compatibilizer. The nanostructure of the nanocomposites was investigated by AFM, TEM, and XRD. AFM analysis clearly showed the presence of exfoliated clay platelets in the nanocomposite. Nanocomposites with 5 wt % compatibilizer contents showed betterexfoliated structure than the counterpart without compatibilizer hybrid. The clay platelet polygonal shape was observable by AFM. The exfoliated platelets were characterized to be ∼1.3 nm in thickness, ∼500 nm in width, and ∼800 nm in length. These results correspond to the XRD and TEM analysis. It was showed that the mechanical properties were improved due to good exfoliation and dispersion of clay in the plasticized CA matrix. The 5 wt % compatibilizer loading is optimum for mechanical improvement.

Research paper thumbnail of Biodegradable nanocomposites from cellulose acetate: Mechanical, morphological, and thermal properties

Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 2006

Environmentally benign nanocomposites were synthesized using cellulose acetate (CA) bioplastic, c... more Environmentally benign nanocomposites were synthesized using cellulose acetate (CA) bioplastic, citrate based plasticizer and organically modified clay nanofillers to eventually substitute the existing petroleum-based polypropylene/thermoplastic olefins (PP/TPO) ...

Research paper thumbnail of “Green” Nanocomposites from Cellulose Acetate Bioplastic and Clay:  Effect of Eco-Friendly Triethyl Citrate Plasticizer

Biomacromolecules, 2004

Green" nanocomposites have been successfully fabricated from cellulose acetate (CA) powder, eco-f... more Green" nanocomposites have been successfully fabricated from cellulose acetate (CA) powder, eco-friendly triethyl citrate (TEC) plasticizer and organically modified clay. The effect of the amount of plasticizer varying from 15 to 40 wt % on the performance of the nanocomposites has been evaluated. The morphologies of these nanocomposites were evaluated through X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies. The mechanical properties of nanocomposites are correlated with the XRD and TEM observations. Cellulosic plastic-based nanocomposites with 20 wt % TEC plasticizer and 5 wt % organoclay showed better intercalation and an exfoliated structure than the counterpart having 30/40 wt % plasticizers. The tensile strength, modulus and thermal stability of cellulosic plastic reinforced with organoclay showed a decreasing trend with an increase of plasticizer content from 20 to 40 wt %. The nano-reinforcement at the lower volume fractions (φ e 0.02) reduced the water vapor permeability of cellulosic plastic by 2 times and the relative permeability better fits with larger platelet aspect ratios (R) 150).

Research paper thumbnail of Environmentally friendly polymer hybrids Part I Mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties of thermoplastic starch/clay nanocomposites

Journal of Materials …, 2003

Part I Mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties ... HWAN-MAN PARK Department of Polymer Scienc... more Part I Mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties ... HWAN-MAN PARK Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Pusan National University, Pusan 609-735, Korea ... WON-KI LEE, CHAN-YOUNG PARK Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Pukyung ...

Research paper thumbnail of Sequential mixing methods of environmentally benign nanocomposites from cellulose acetate/plasticizer/organoclay system

Injection molded nanocomposites have been successfully fabricated from cellulose acetate (CA), tr... more Injection molded nanocomposites have been successfully fabricated from cellulose acetate (CA), triethyl citrate (TEC) plasticizer and organically modified clay. The effect of sequential mixing methods and plasticizing conditions on the performance of these nanocomposites has been evaluated. The mechanical and thermal properties of nanocomposites are correlated with the XRD and TEM observations. Cellulosic plastic-based nanocomposites with 75-minute pre-prasticized CA/TEC/organoclay showed the best exfoliated structure.

Research paper thumbnail of Preparation and Characterization of Chitosan-Based Nanocomposite Films with Antimicrobial Activity

Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Aug 9, 2006

Research paper thumbnail of Microstructure, tensile properties, and biodegradability of aliphatic polyester/clay nanocomposites

Polymer, 2002

Novel biodegradable aliphatic polyester (APES)/organoclay nanocomposites were prepared through me... more Novel biodegradable aliphatic polyester (APES)/organoclay nanocomposites were prepared through melt intercalation method. Two kinds of organoclays, Cloisite 30B and Cloisite 10A with different ammonium cations located in the silicate gallery, were chosen for the nanocomposites preparation. The dispersion of the silicate layers in the APES hybrids was characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Tensile properties and the biodegradability of the APES/organoclay nanocomposites were also studied. APES/Cloisite 30B hybrids showed higher degree of intercalation than APES/Cloisite 10A hybrids due to the strong hydrogen bonding interaction between APES and hydroxyl group in the gallery of Cloisite 30B silicate layers. This leads to higher tensile properties and lower biodegradability for APES/Cloisite 30B hybrids than for the APES/Cloisite 10A hybrids.

Research paper thumbnail of Preparation and characterization of biodegradable aliphatic polyester/thermoplastic starch/organoclay ternary hybrid nanocomposites

Instrumentation Science Technology, 2007

Research paper thumbnail of Bio-nanocomposites for food packaging applications

Progress in Polymer Science, 2013

There is growing interest in developing bio-based polymers and innovative process technologies th... more There is growing interest in developing bio-based polymers and innovative process technologies that can reduce the dependence on fossil fuel and move to a sustainable materials basis. Bio-nanocomposites open an opportunity for the use of new, high performance, light weight green nanocomposite materials making them to replace conventional non-biodegradable petroleum-based plastic packaging materials. So far, the most studied bio-nanocomposites suitable for packaging applications are starch and cellulose derivatives, polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). The most promising nanoscale fillers are layered silicate nanoclays such as montmorillonite and kaolinite. In food packaging, a major emphasis is on the development of high barrier properties against the diffusion of oxygen, carbon dioxide, flavor compounds, and water vapor. Moreover, several nanostructures can be useful to provide active and/or smart properties to food packaging systems, as exemplified by antimicrobial properties, oxygen scavenging ability, enzyme immobilization, or indication of the degree of exposure to some detrimental factors such as inadequate temperatures or oxygen levels. Challenges remain in increasing the compatibility between clays and polymers and reaching complete dispersion of nanoparticles. This review focuses on the enhancement of packaging performance of the green materials as well as their biodegradability, antimicrobial properties, and mechanical and thermal properties for food packaging application. The preparation, characterization and application of biopolymer-based nanocomposites with organic layered silicate and other fillers, and their application in the food packaging sector are also discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Sustainable nanocomposite materials from cellulosic plastics

Injection molded nanocomposites were successfully fabricated from triethyl citrate (TEC) plastici... more Injection molded nanocomposites were successfully fabricated from triethyl citrate (TEC) plasticized cellulose acetate (CA) and organically modified clay. Maleic anhydride grafted cellulose acetate butyrate (MA-g-CAB) was used as a compatibilizer. The effect of compatibilizer contents on the performance of these nanocomposites were evaluated. The mechanical properties of these nanocomposites were correlated with the XRD and TEM observations. Cellulosic plastic-based nanocomposites with 3 wt.% compatibilizer showed better exfoliated structure than the counterpart having 0 or 7.5 wt.% compatibilizer contents. The use of compatibizer improved the tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and thermal stability of these nanocomposites as compared to the counterpart nanocomposite in absence of the said specific compatibilizer.

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of Sequential Mixing and Compounding Conditions on Cellulose Acetate/Layered Silicate Nanocomposites

Journal of Polymers and the Environment, 2006

Abstract Injection molded nanocomposites have been successfully fabricated from cellulose acetate... more Abstract Injection molded nanocomposites have been successfully fabricated from cellulose acetate (CA), eco-friendly triethyl citrate (TEC) plasticizer, and organically modified clay with and without maleic anhydride grafted cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB-g-MA) as a ...

Research paper thumbnail of Compositions of cellulose esters and layered silicates and process for the prepration thereof

Research paper thumbnail of “Green” Nanocomposites from Cellulose Acetate Bioplastic and Clay:  Effect of Eco-Friendly Triethyl Citrate Plasticizer

Biomacromolecules, 2004

"Green&a... more "Green" nanocomposites have been successfully fabricated from cellulose acetate (CA) powder, eco-friendly triethyl citrate (TEC) plasticizer and organically modified clay. The effect of the amount of plasticizer varying from 15 to 40 wt % on the performance of the nanocomposites has been evaluated. The morphologies of these nanocomposites were evaluated through X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies. The mechanical properties of nanocomposites are correlated with the XRD and TEM observations. Cellulosic plastic-based nanocomposites with 20 wt % TEC plasticizer and 5 wt % organoclay showed better intercalation and an exfoliated structure than the counterpart having 30/40 wt % plasticizers. The tensile strength, modulus and thermal stability of cellulosic plastic reinforced with organoclay showed a decreasing trend with an increase of plasticizer content from 20 to 40 wt %. The nano-reinforcement at the lower volume fractions (phi < or = 0.02) reduced the water vapor permeability of cellulosic plastic by 2 times and the relative permeability better fits with larger platelet aspect ratios (alpha = 150).

Research paper thumbnail of Preparation and characterization of biodegradable methyl cellulose/montmorillonite nanocomposite films

Applied Clay Science, 2010

Abstract Procedures for the preparation of methyl cellulose/montmorillonite (MC/MMT) nanocomposit... more Abstract Procedures for the preparation of methyl cellulose/montmorillonite (MC/MMT) nanocomposite films were optimized by testing 30 procedures including differences in type of mixing, speed of mixing and time of mixing. The characterization of films by XRD and TEM indicated that a procedure involving mixing by a homogenizator was the most suitable nanocomposite film preparation method. The effect of MMT concentration on some properties of MC/MMT nanocomposite films was also investigated. It was found that the increase in the MMT concentration caused an increase in the film thickness and opacity values of MC/MMT nanocomposite films, whereas the increase in MMT concentration led to a decrease in their water adsorption and water solubility.

Research paper thumbnail of Tensile properties, morphology, and biodegradability of blends of starch with various thermoplastics

Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2002

In the present study, blends of starch with different thermoplastics were prepared by a melt blen... more In the present study, blends of starch with different thermoplastics were prepared by a melt blending technique. The tensile properties and morphology of the blends were measured. It was found that with increasing starch content in starch/ionomer blends, the tensile strength and modulus increase. But for starch/low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and starch/aliphatic polyester (APES) blends, tensile strength and modulus decrease with increasing the starch loading. Elongation at break values of all the blend systems decrease with increasing starch loading. The scanning electron micrographs (SEM) support the findings of tensile properties. Better homogeneity is observed in starch/ ionomer systems compared with that in starch/APES and starch/LDPE systems. Up to 50% starch content, the starch/ ionomer blends appear as a single phase. The extent of phase interactions of starch/APES system lies in between the starch/LDPE and starch/ionomer systems. From the biodegradability studies of the blends it was found that, although the pure LDPE and ionomer are not biodegradable, the starch/LDPE and starch/ionomer blends are biodegradable with an appreciable rate. The rate of biodegradation of the starch/APES is very high as both the components are biodegradable.

Research paper thumbnail of Graphite nanoplatelets: A nanoreinforcement for modifying mechanical, thermal, electrical and barrier properties of polyolefins

Research paper thumbnail of Compositions d’esters de cellulose et de silicates stratifiés et procédé pour leur préparation

Des composites d’esters de cellulose, un plastifiant, un compatibiliseur maleate et une argile mo... more Des composites d’esters de cellulose, un plastifiant, un compatibiliseur maleate et une argile modifiee organiquement sont decrits. Les composites ont une tension, une resistance a la flexion, un module, une stabilite dimensionnelle et une temperature de distorsion a chaud superieurs.

Research paper thumbnail of Compositions of cellulose esters and layered silicates and process for the prepration thereof

Research paper thumbnail of Injection molded green nanocomposite materials from renewable resources

Injection molded 'green' nanocomposites have been successfully fabricated from cellulose ... more Injection molded 'green' nanocomposites have been successfully fabricated from cellulose acetate (CA), triethyl citrate (TEC) plasticizer and organically modified clay. The effects of processing conditions, amount of plasticizer, various types and content of organo-clays on the performance of these nanocomposites has been evaluated. The cellulosic plastic with 80 wt. % pure cellulose acetate and 20 wt.% triethyl citrate plasticizer was used as the polymer matrix for nanocomposite fabrication. The morphologies of these nanocomposites were evaluated through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies. The mechanical properties of nanocomposites have been are correlated with the XRD and TEM observations. Cellulosic plastic-based nanocomposites with 5 and 10 wt.% organoclay showed better exfoliated and intercalated structure than the counterpart having 15 wt.% organo-clay. The tensile strength and modulus of cellulosic plastic reinforced with 10 wt.% organo-clay was improved by 75 and 180% respectively. Thermal stability of cellulosic plastic is increased as a result of nano-reinforcement.

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of blending sequence on the microstructure and properties of PBT/EVA-g-MAH/organoclay ternary nanocomposites

Polymer Engineering & Science, 2002

... 15. X. С. Li. Т. К. Rang, WJ Cho, JK Lee, and С S. Ha. Macromol Rapid Comm., 22, 1310 (2001).... more ... 15. X. С. Li. Т. К. Rang, WJ Cho, JK Lee, and С S. Ha. Macromol Rapid Comm., 22, 1310 (2001). 16. ... 20. SJ Kim, BS Shin, JL Hong, WJ Cho, and С S. Ha, Polymer, 42, 4073 (2001). 21. WR Haie, H. Keskkule, and DR Paul, Polymer, 40, 3353(1999). 22. WR Haie. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of Compatibilizer on Nanostructure of the Biodegradable Cellulose Acetate/Organoclay Nanocomposites

Macromolecules, 2004

Biodegradable nanocomposites were successfully fabricated from cellulose acetate (CA) plasticized... more Biodegradable nanocomposites were successfully fabricated from cellulose acetate (CA) plasticized with triethyl citrate (TEC), and combined with Cloisite 30B organoclay, using maleic anhydride grafted cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB-g-MA) as the compatibilizer. The nanostructure of the nanocomposites was investigated by AFM, TEM, and XRD. AFM analysis clearly showed the presence of exfoliated clay platelets in the nanocomposite. Nanocomposites with 5 wt % compatibilizer contents showed betterexfoliated structure than the counterpart without compatibilizer hybrid. The clay platelet polygonal shape was observable by AFM. The exfoliated platelets were characterized to be ∼1.3 nm in thickness, ∼500 nm in width, and ∼800 nm in length. These results correspond to the XRD and TEM analysis. It was showed that the mechanical properties were improved due to good exfoliation and dispersion of clay in the plasticized CA matrix. The 5 wt % compatibilizer loading is optimum for mechanical improvement.

Research paper thumbnail of Biodegradable nanocomposites from cellulose acetate: Mechanical, morphological, and thermal properties

Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 2006

Environmentally benign nanocomposites were synthesized using cellulose acetate (CA) bioplastic, c... more Environmentally benign nanocomposites were synthesized using cellulose acetate (CA) bioplastic, citrate based plasticizer and organically modified clay nanofillers to eventually substitute the existing petroleum-based polypropylene/thermoplastic olefins (PP/TPO) ...

Research paper thumbnail of “Green” Nanocomposites from Cellulose Acetate Bioplastic and Clay:  Effect of Eco-Friendly Triethyl Citrate Plasticizer

Biomacromolecules, 2004

Green" nanocomposites have been successfully fabricated from cellulose acetate (CA) powder, eco-f... more Green" nanocomposites have been successfully fabricated from cellulose acetate (CA) powder, eco-friendly triethyl citrate (TEC) plasticizer and organically modified clay. The effect of the amount of plasticizer varying from 15 to 40 wt % on the performance of the nanocomposites has been evaluated. The morphologies of these nanocomposites were evaluated through X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies. The mechanical properties of nanocomposites are correlated with the XRD and TEM observations. Cellulosic plastic-based nanocomposites with 20 wt % TEC plasticizer and 5 wt % organoclay showed better intercalation and an exfoliated structure than the counterpart having 30/40 wt % plasticizers. The tensile strength, modulus and thermal stability of cellulosic plastic reinforced with organoclay showed a decreasing trend with an increase of plasticizer content from 20 to 40 wt %. The nano-reinforcement at the lower volume fractions (φ e 0.02) reduced the water vapor permeability of cellulosic plastic by 2 times and the relative permeability better fits with larger platelet aspect ratios (R) 150).

Research paper thumbnail of Environmentally friendly polymer hybrids Part I Mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties of thermoplastic starch/clay nanocomposites

Journal of Materials …, 2003

Part I Mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties ... HWAN-MAN PARK Department of Polymer Scienc... more Part I Mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties ... HWAN-MAN PARK Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Pusan National University, Pusan 609-735, Korea ... WON-KI LEE, CHAN-YOUNG PARK Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Pukyung ...

Research paper thumbnail of Sequential mixing methods of environmentally benign nanocomposites from cellulose acetate/plasticizer/organoclay system

Injection molded nanocomposites have been successfully fabricated from cellulose acetate (CA), tr... more Injection molded nanocomposites have been successfully fabricated from cellulose acetate (CA), triethyl citrate (TEC) plasticizer and organically modified clay. The effect of sequential mixing methods and plasticizing conditions on the performance of these nanocomposites has been evaluated. The mechanical and thermal properties of nanocomposites are correlated with the XRD and TEM observations. Cellulosic plastic-based nanocomposites with 75-minute pre-prasticized CA/TEC/organoclay showed the best exfoliated structure.

Research paper thumbnail of Preparation and Characterization of Chitosan-Based Nanocomposite Films with Antimicrobial Activity

Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Aug 9, 2006

Research paper thumbnail of Microstructure, tensile properties, and biodegradability of aliphatic polyester/clay nanocomposites

Polymer, 2002

Novel biodegradable aliphatic polyester (APES)/organoclay nanocomposites were prepared through me... more Novel biodegradable aliphatic polyester (APES)/organoclay nanocomposites were prepared through melt intercalation method. Two kinds of organoclays, Cloisite 30B and Cloisite 10A with different ammonium cations located in the silicate gallery, were chosen for the nanocomposites preparation. The dispersion of the silicate layers in the APES hybrids was characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Tensile properties and the biodegradability of the APES/organoclay nanocomposites were also studied. APES/Cloisite 30B hybrids showed higher degree of intercalation than APES/Cloisite 10A hybrids due to the strong hydrogen bonding interaction between APES and hydroxyl group in the gallery of Cloisite 30B silicate layers. This leads to higher tensile properties and lower biodegradability for APES/Cloisite 30B hybrids than for the APES/Cloisite 10A hybrids.

Research paper thumbnail of Preparation and characterization of biodegradable aliphatic polyester/thermoplastic starch/organoclay ternary hybrid nanocomposites

Instrumentation Science Technology, 2007

Research paper thumbnail of Bio-nanocomposites for food packaging applications

Progress in Polymer Science, 2013

There is growing interest in developing bio-based polymers and innovative process technologies th... more There is growing interest in developing bio-based polymers and innovative process technologies that can reduce the dependence on fossil fuel and move to a sustainable materials basis. Bio-nanocomposites open an opportunity for the use of new, high performance, light weight green nanocomposite materials making them to replace conventional non-biodegradable petroleum-based plastic packaging materials. So far, the most studied bio-nanocomposites suitable for packaging applications are starch and cellulose derivatives, polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). The most promising nanoscale fillers are layered silicate nanoclays such as montmorillonite and kaolinite. In food packaging, a major emphasis is on the development of high barrier properties against the diffusion of oxygen, carbon dioxide, flavor compounds, and water vapor. Moreover, several nanostructures can be useful to provide active and/or smart properties to food packaging systems, as exemplified by antimicrobial properties, oxygen scavenging ability, enzyme immobilization, or indication of the degree of exposure to some detrimental factors such as inadequate temperatures or oxygen levels. Challenges remain in increasing the compatibility between clays and polymers and reaching complete dispersion of nanoparticles. This review focuses on the enhancement of packaging performance of the green materials as well as their biodegradability, antimicrobial properties, and mechanical and thermal properties for food packaging application. The preparation, characterization and application of biopolymer-based nanocomposites with organic layered silicate and other fillers, and their application in the food packaging sector are also discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Sustainable nanocomposite materials from cellulosic plastics

Injection molded nanocomposites were successfully fabricated from triethyl citrate (TEC) plastici... more Injection molded nanocomposites were successfully fabricated from triethyl citrate (TEC) plasticized cellulose acetate (CA) and organically modified clay. Maleic anhydride grafted cellulose acetate butyrate (MA-g-CAB) was used as a compatibilizer. The effect of compatibilizer contents on the performance of these nanocomposites were evaluated. The mechanical properties of these nanocomposites were correlated with the XRD and TEM observations. Cellulosic plastic-based nanocomposites with 3 wt.% compatibilizer showed better exfoliated structure than the counterpart having 0 or 7.5 wt.% compatibilizer contents. The use of compatibizer improved the tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and thermal stability of these nanocomposites as compared to the counterpart nanocomposite in absence of the said specific compatibilizer.

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of Sequential Mixing and Compounding Conditions on Cellulose Acetate/Layered Silicate Nanocomposites

Journal of Polymers and the Environment, 2006

Abstract Injection molded nanocomposites have been successfully fabricated from cellulose acetate... more Abstract Injection molded nanocomposites have been successfully fabricated from cellulose acetate (CA), eco-friendly triethyl citrate (TEC) plasticizer, and organically modified clay with and without maleic anhydride grafted cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB-g-MA) as a ...

Research paper thumbnail of Compositions of cellulose esters and layered silicates and process for the prepration thereof

Research paper thumbnail of “Green” Nanocomposites from Cellulose Acetate Bioplastic and Clay:  Effect of Eco-Friendly Triethyl Citrate Plasticizer

Biomacromolecules, 2004

"Green&a... more "Green" nanocomposites have been successfully fabricated from cellulose acetate (CA) powder, eco-friendly triethyl citrate (TEC) plasticizer and organically modified clay. The effect of the amount of plasticizer varying from 15 to 40 wt % on the performance of the nanocomposites has been evaluated. The morphologies of these nanocomposites were evaluated through X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies. The mechanical properties of nanocomposites are correlated with the XRD and TEM observations. Cellulosic plastic-based nanocomposites with 20 wt % TEC plasticizer and 5 wt % organoclay showed better intercalation and an exfoliated structure than the counterpart having 30/40 wt % plasticizers. The tensile strength, modulus and thermal stability of cellulosic plastic reinforced with organoclay showed a decreasing trend with an increase of plasticizer content from 20 to 40 wt %. The nano-reinforcement at the lower volume fractions (phi < or = 0.02) reduced the water vapor permeability of cellulosic plastic by 2 times and the relative permeability better fits with larger platelet aspect ratios (alpha = 150).