Synthesis and characterization of starch$^Na+$-montmorillonite clay nanocomposites

Native corn starch and montmorillonite caly nanocomposites were prepared using the glycerol as the plasticizer. These were characterized by mechanical analysis, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. The tensile strength increased with the clay content to a maximum point and then decreased due to gapping between the two phases. Dispersion of the layered silicate within the starch was verified using X-ray diffraction pattern. Examination of these materials by scanning electron showed that intercalates have good wetting to the starch surface.