Synthesis and characteization of chitosan/organoclay bionanocomposites

In this study, Na+ Montmorillonite, Nanoclay 1-135 and Nanoclay 1-140 clay were used as nano filler-support in the preparation of chitosan biopolymer / clay nanocomposites. For this purpose dilute acetic acid solution was used as solvent for dissolving and dispersing chitosan and clays respectively, chitosan/ C Na, chitosan/ C 10A and chitosan/ C 15A bionanocomposites were synthesized. The effect on the bionanocomposite was investigated by changing the loading rates of different clay species by 1%, 3%, 5% and 10%. In total, 12 kinds of bionanocomposite were done in 4 different amount with 3 clay species by solution induced intercalation method. The characterization of the composites was done chemically by FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), physically XRD (X-ray Diffraction) and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) and thermally by TGA/ DTA (Thermogravimetric Analysis). In addition, for biologically antimicrobial properties, the effects of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria on clay and bionanocomposite were investigated, swelling tests of clay and bionanocomposite were carried out. It has been found that the best antimicrobial property is the chitosan/ C 10A biocomposite and the thermal stability of this composite is increased. All chitosan/ clay biocomposites were observed in XRD patterns and SEM images showing exfoliate behavior.