Abstract
Films of carrageenan (KC) and glycerol (g) with different contents of chitin nanowhiskers (CHW) were prepared by a solution casting process. The molecular dynamics of pure carrageenan (KC), carrageenan/glycerol (KCg) and KCg with different quantities of CHWs as a filler was studied using dielectric relaxation spectroscopy. The analysis of the CHW effect on the molecular mobility at the glass transition, Tg, indicates that non-attractive intermolecular interactions between KCg and CHW occur. The fragility index increased upon CHW incorporation, due to a reduction in the polymer chains mobility produced by the CHW confinement of the KCg network. The apparent activation energy associated with the relaxation dynamics of the chains at Tg slightly increased with the CHW content. The filler nature effect, CHW or montmorillonite (MMT), on the dynamic mobility of the composites was analyzed by comparing the dynamic behavior of both carrageenan-based composites (KCg/xCHW, KCg/xMMT).
Highlights
Biopolymers have received increasing attention from the scientific community in recent years as a readily available alternative to synthetic polymers
Carrageenan-based films were prepared at three different concentrations by weight (5 wt %, 10 wt % and 15 wt %) of chitin nanowhiskers (CHW) using a solution intercalation method
Of the dielectric complex permittivity (ε*) for all samples analyzed displayed a similar pattern; that is, a slight increase of temperature in the low temperature range or glassy state, followed by a steep increase at temperatures located in the vicinity of the glass transition temperature, Tg, afterward reaching a pseudoplateau
Summary
Biopolymers have received increasing attention from the scientific community in recent years as a readily available alternative to synthetic polymers. They are obtained from different natural sources and offer a great opportunity to develop new biomaterials with tailored properties for a wide range of applications [1]. The development of green materials, which intend to reduce human impact on the environment, has attracted the interest of many researchers [4] In this regard, the development of nanobiocomposites, namely a dispersion of nano-sized fillers into a biopolymer matrix, represents one of the most promising technological advances. The addition of a filler leads to a significant change in the matrix properties such as thermal stability, mechanical and barrier properties [10,11]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
