Synthesis and Properties of Bionanocomposite - Nanochitosan Reinforced with Microcrystalline Cellulose

M. S. Sivakami, P. N. Sudha

Abstract: Bio-nanocomposites in different ratio were successfully developed using microcrystalline cellulose extracted from sisal fibers as the reinforcement and nanochitosan as the polymeric matrix. MCC was extracted by adopting steam explosion technique and nanochitosan was prepared using ionotropic gelation method. The effect of reinforcement on the structure, morphology and properties of the bio-nanocomposites were characterized by SEM, FTIR, XRD, TGA, DSC and swelling analysis. The results indicated that the bio-nanocomposites can be used as efficient materials for heavy metal removal in water treatment.

Keywords: Nanochitosan, MCC, Bio-nanocomposite, Structure, Properties