GELATIN/MONTMORILLONITE NANOCOMPOSITES

J.F.MARTUCCI; A.VAZQUEZ; R.A. RUSECKAITE

BUENOS AIRES-ARGENTINA

Congreso; COMAT - IV Congreso de materiales compuestos; 2005

Due to the growing demand of plastics and the problems associated with their disposal, there is an increasingly  need for new biodegradable materials.  Proteins can be considered as potential candidates for use in the fabrication of biodegradable films for packaging. Among the animal proteins, gelatin (Ge) is an  edible, biodegradable and renewable biopolymer with film forming ability and effective gas barrier properties for  potential applications as biopackaging material. Unfortunately, such application is limited by its poor mechanical properties and high water sensitivity. Clays are promising reinforcing fillers, naturally abundant and toxin-free which can be used as one of the components for food, medical, cosmetic and healthcare recipients. Montmorillonite (MMt) has been used as reinforcing agent for producing polymer layered silicates (PLS).The objective of the present work is focused on the analysis of the effect of the morphologies developed on the final properties of Ge/MMt compositesfrom  exploring their application in the packaging