Biodegradable polymer/layered silicate nanocomposite membranes were prepared by solution casting method for the application of dehumidification and gas separation. The cationic biopolymer, chitosan was intercalated into clay through cationic exchange ...
Biodegradable polymer/layered silicate nanocomposite membranes were prepared by solution casting method for the application of dehumidification and gas separation. The cationic biopolymer, chitosan was intercalated into clay through cationic exchange and hydrogen bonding process. X-ray diffraction was used to investigate structure of biodegradable polymer/layered silicate nanocomposite membranes. D-spacing of the characteristic peak of clay plate in biodegradable polymer/layered silicate nanocomposite membranes was moved to toward lower angle values and diminished. These results confirmed that biodegradable polymer/layered silicate nanocomposite membranes made a intercalated structure.
Thermal stability and the mechanical properties of the nanocomposite membranes were characterized by TGA and Universal Testing Machine. Thermal stability and mechanical properties were enhanced by increasing clay contents in biodegradable polymer/layered silicate nanocomposite membranes.
Gas permeation properties of the nanocomposite membranes were measured by time-lag methods. Permeability of the CO2 gas through chitosan nanocomposite membranes and the N2, O2, CO2 gas through PLA nanocomposite membranes decreased as the content of clay in the nanocomposite increased. Water vapor transmission and dynamic vapor sorption(DVS) of chitosan nanocomposite membranes when the content of clay increased. Due to extended tortuosity of permeation path of the gases.