Properties of Solutions of Cellulose and Chitin with Montmorillonite Nanoparticles in Aqueous Alkali with Urea and Thiourea Additions and of Composite Films Prepared from These Solutions

Abstract

Rheological properties of cellulose and chitin solutions with additions of montmorillonite nanoparticles in NaOH/urea/thiourea aqueous-alkaline solutions were studied. X-ray diffraction analysis shows that montmorillonite nanoparticles in hydrated cellulose and chitin films are in the intercalated state. Analysis of the Fourier IR spectra of the composite films reveals the shift of the Si–O absorption band in both polymer systems. Introduction of montmorillonite into hydrated cellulose and chitin matrices leads to an increase in the residual weight (at 800°C) and to a slight decrease in the degradation onset temperature and in the temperature of the maximal degradation rate.