Unmodified Nanoclay Research Articles

Effect of Nanoclay Modification on Properties of Natural Rubber Nanocomposites Using Zinc Compound

This study investigates the effect of nanoclay modification on the properties of natural rubber (NR) nanocomposites using zinc stearate (ZS) and di(hydrogenated tallow) dimethylammonium chloride (DHDT). The aim is to enhance the compatibility of modified nanoclay (NC) and NR molecules for determining cure characteristics, mechanical properties, and morphologies. The effect of unmodified and modified NC as the secondary filler was studied using the 10 phr NC regarding the received properties of the silica-based composites. Results indicated that the NR composites with modified NC exhibited a significant improvement of 32.06% estimated crosslink density, 16.6% tensile strength, 30.1% Payne effect together with the production time of 3.9 min relative to the composites with unmodified NC. This related to the dispersion and distribution degree of the NC and it suggests that the modification of nanoclay with ZS and DHDT can positively impact to the NR nanocomposites, enhancing their mechanical performance and processing characteristics. Keywords: Modified nanoclay, Natural rubber, Nanocomposites

The technological properties of particleboards manufactured with nano additive melamine-formaldehyde adhesive

In the present study, the effect of nano additives in different ratios added to melamine formaldehyde adhesives on the properties of particleboards was investigated. In this respect, two different nanoclays [organo-modified nanoclays (OMC) and unmodified nanoclays (NC)] and graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) were added to the adhesive at the rate of 1%, 2% and 4%. Along with the physical (thickness swelling and water absorption), mechanical properties (modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity and internal bond strength), accelerated weathering and fire resistance tests (Limiting oxygen index-LOI) of the board were carried out. According to the results, while there was no significant change in the water absorption values with the use of nano additives, a decrease occurred in the thickness swelling values with the use of GNP. The mechanical properties increased with the use of nano additives. The highest values were obtained from the board groups using 1% GNP. The loss of mechanical resistance values after the accelerated weathering test was reduced with the use of 1% nanoclay and up to 2% GNP. According to LOI test results, the use of 1% and 2% nano additives increased the fire resistance of the boards., The agglomerations were determined in places with the increase in the nano additive ratio in the SEM images.

In Vitro Binding and Release Mechanisms of Doxorubicin from Nanoclays.

Nanoclays have been developed as drug delivery systems, but their mechanisms of DOX delivery are unclear. Herein, unmodified nanoclays (halloysite, kaolinite, montmorillonite) were comprehensively studied on their in vitro binding and release mechanisms of DOX from both experimental and theoretical aspects. These nanoclays with high loading capacity (>50%) and encapsulation efficiency capacity (>90%) of DOX are attributed to the exposed hydroxyl groups and the Lewis base sites on the surfaces. Density functional theory calculations also confirmed that DOX is preferentially adsorbed on the Al-OH surfaces while adsorption on Si-O surfaces is limited. Besides this, the pH-responsive profiles of DOX release from nanoclays are related to the protonation of negatively charged nanoclays in weakly acidic solutions that makes it easier to dissociate with positively charged DOX. The in-depth mechanistic method in this work is widely applicable and demonstrates that nanoclays can be used as efficient nanocarriers for more biomedical applications.

Addition of compatibilized nanoclay to GFRCs for improved izod impact strength and tensile properties

This research examines the effect of nanoclay silanization/compatibilization on the izod impact strength and tensile properties of epoxy-clay-based glass fiber reinforced composites (GFRCs). As per the existing literature, a key step in silanization of clay is washing of the silanized clay with acetone to remove the excess of silane molecules. However, contrary to this, the present research shows that acetone washing of the silanized clay lowers the tensile properties. GFRCs containing 2 phr nanoclay were processed. Three different montmorillonite clays were used in the initial investigations (two organically modified nanoclays designated as “CA” and “IE” and one unmodified nanoclay designated as “PG”). Silane concentration was varied in the range of 100–400% as proportion of nanoclay loading (i.e. 1X, 2X, 3X, and 4X). Silanization was validated by FTIR. XRD/TEM revealed increased d-spacing for silanized nanoclay and a partially exfoliated clay morphology in GFRCs. Highest izod impact strength (37% higher than the reference GFRC) without any loss in tensile properties was observed for GFRC reinforced with acetone washed 2X silanized “PG” nanoclay. GFRCs reinforced with silanized unwashed nanoclay (3X) showed 27% improvement in izod impact strength with significantly improved tensile strength (16% higher than the reference sample).

Spectral characterization of morphological structure of organomodified montmorillonite clay-based epoxy nanocomposite

Effect of organoclays on formation of intercalated/exfoliated structure in epoxy–clay nanocomposites at 2 wt% filler loading was carried by spectral analysis. Organoclays were dispersed in epoxy matrix by ultrasonication method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were carried to characterize function group, morphology of structure, surface and glass transition temperature of the nanocomposite, respectively. FTIR study reveals the presence of epoxy in the galleries of organoclays was confirmed and proves the existence of chemical bonds between the organoclays and the epoxy matrix. XRD analysis indicated that, the interlayer spacing between the clay platelets was increased significantly, thus, the polymer is able to intercalate between the clay layers. As a result, the fully exfoliated structure was found in the E + NC-III nanocomposite while the intercalated structure was obtained in the E + NC-I, E + NC-II, E + NC-IV and E + NC-V nanocomposites. The glass transition temperature measured by TGA was increased with the addition of organoclay in epoxy matrix but decreased for unmodified nanoclay and neat composite. SEM imaging showed good filler dispersion and distribution in E + NC-III nanocomposite, highlighting the very smooth surface due to absence of clay aggregates and no voids.

Modified Nanoclays/Straw Fillers as Functional Additives of Natural Rubber Biocomposites

Increasingly, raw materials of natural origin are used as fillers in polymer composites. Such biocomposites have satisfactory properties. To ensure above-average functional properties, modifications of biofillers with other materials are also used. The presented research work aimed to produce and characterize elastomeric materials with a straw-based filler and four different types of montmorillonite. The main research goal was to obtain improved functional parameters of vulcanizates based on natural rubber. A series of composites filled with straw and certain types of modified and unmodified nano-clays in various ratios and amounts were prepared. Then, they were subjected to a series of tests to assess the impact of the hybrids used on the final product. It has been shown that the addition of optimal amounts of biofillers can, inter alia, increase the tensile strength of the composite, improve damping properties, extend the burning time of the material and affect the course of vulcanization or cross-linking density.

A comparative study of different materials (drinking water treatment sludge, nanoclay, and modified nanoclay) for simultaneous removal of hexavalent chromium and lead

Drinking water treatment sludge in large quantities was generated in the flocculation process of the treatment plant, all over the world. It considered the secondary raw material due to having valuable inorganic compounds such as iron. Herein, a novel green method was developed to recover iron from drinking water treatment sludge for synthesizing nanoscale iron supported on nanoclay by a lemon Beebrush polyphenol. The surface of nanoclay containing iron nanoparticles was modified with ethylenediamine for their applications as heavy metals adsorbent. The field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, derivative thermogravimetry, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy techniques were utilized to examine the adsorbents. Based on the results of energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, iron and nitrogen were successfully introduced into the structure of modified nanoclay. A batch adsorption system was used to investigate the simultaneous removal performance of hexavalent chromium and lead onto drinking water treatment sludge, nanoclay, and nanoclay-iron nanoparticle-ethylenediamine. The influence of factors, e.g., initial concentration, contact time, pH, adsorbent dosage, and temperature, were evaluated. The maximum uptake for chromium was 0.303, 0.352, and 0.984 mmol/g and for lead 0.03, 0.042, and 0.108 mmol/g at pH of 3 onto drinking water treatment sludge, nanoclay, and nanoclay-iron nanoparticle-ethylenediamine, respectively. The results show that the quantity of chromium and lead adsorbed onto modified nanoclay was more than 2.5-fold than that adsorbed onto unmodified nanoclay. The equilibrium adsorption data of hexavalent chromium and lead were fitted well with the Langmuir isotherm model (R2 > 0.97). Besides, the pseudo-second-order kinetic model demonstrated the kinetic adsorption of the metal ions. The thermodynamic constants suggested that the adsorption of lead by three adsorbents was exothermic and spontaneous while that of hexavalent chromium was endothermic. It leads to a finding that nanoclay-iron nanoparticle-ethylenediamine could be an effective adsorbent for heavy metals removal from water and wastewater.

Effect of Modified Nanoclay Surface Supported Nickel Catalyst on Carbon Dioxide Reforming of Methane

The activity and stability of modified nanoclays surface supported nickel (Ni/NC-x) catalyst were investigated and compared to unmodified nanoclay surface supported nickel (Ni/NC) catalyst in dry reforming reaction (500–800 °C). The nickel metal was loaded on modified nanoclay surface with different alkylammonium modifiers—trimethylstearyl ammonium (NC-T), methyl dihydroxy-ethyl hydrogenated tallow ammonium (NC-M), aminopropyltriethoxysilane and octadecylamine (NC-A), and dimethyl dialkyl amine (NC-D) by using the impregnation method. As a results, the surface area and pore volume of Ni/NC-x catalysts were 1.70–3.96 and 2.33–4.33 times higher than that of Ni/NC catalyst, respectively. A longer chain of alkylammonium ions of modifier enhanced the intercalation of the modifier molecules into the interlayer of the nanoclay. Among these catalysts, the highest surface area of Ni/NC-T catalyst could facilitate the Ni metal dispersion and smaller size of NiO, resulting in the stronger interaction between Ni and NC-T support. It then gave the highest CO2 and CH4 conversions and H2/CO ratio. In addition, H2 and CO yields of Ni/NC-T catalyst were 1.21 and 1.20 times higher than that of Ni/NC catalyst, respectively. Moreover, the modified nanoclays surface supported nickel catalyst could reduce the carbon formation during the reaction.

Organomodified nanoclays induce less inflammation, acute phase response, and genotoxicity than pristine nanoclays in mice lungs

Surface modification by different quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC) makes nanoclays more compatible with various polymeric matrices, thereby expanding their potential applications. The growing industrial use of nanoclays could potentially pose a health risk for workers. Here, we assessed how surface modification of nanoclays modulates their pulmonary toxicity. An in vitro screening of the unmodified nanoclay Bentonite (montmorillonite) and four organomodified nanoclays (ONC); coated with various QAC, including benzalkonium chloride (BAC), guided the selection of the materials for the in vivo study. Mice were exposed via a single intratracheal instillation to 18, 54, and 162 µg of unmodified Bentonite or dialkyldimethyl-ammonium-coated ONC (NanofilSE3000), or to 6, 18, and 54 µg of a BAC-coated ONC (Nanofil9), and followed for one, 3, or 28 days. All materials induced dose- and time-dependent responses in the exposed mice. However, all doses of Bentonite induced larger, but reversible, inflammation (BAL neutrophils) and acute phase response (Saa3 gene expression in lung) than the two ONC. Similarly, highest levels of DNA strand breaks were found in BAL cells of mice exposed to Bentonite 1 day post-exposure. A significant increase of DNA strand breaks was detected also for NanofilSE3000, 3 days post-exposure. Only mice exposed to Bentonite showed increased Tgf-β gene expression in lung, biomarker of pro-fibrotic processes and hepatic extravasation, 3 days post-exposure. This study indicates that Bentonite treatment with some QAC changes main physical-chemical properties, including shape and surface area, and may decrease their pulmonary toxicity in exposed mice.

Tunable shape memory behavior of polymer with surface modification of nanoparticles

In-situ inclusion of different nanoclays during synthesis results in different level of dispersion of nanoclays in the polymer matrix depending upon the surface modification of the nanoclay. Higher intercalation of the polymer chains within the galleries of organically modified nanoclay results better dispersion as compared to pristine nanoclay. The spectroscopic measurement shows that the extent of interaction between the nanoclay and polymer chains is higher in modified nanoclay nanocomposite which decreases the crystallinity considerably as compared to pristine clay nanocomposite. Interestingly, shape memory behavior measured at physiological temperature (37 °C) improves significantly in presence of organically modified nanoclay while it decreases in presence of unmodified nanoclay in same polyurethane matrix. Complete melting of soft segment along with restricted flipping of hard segment with temperature in presence of extensive interaction in nanocomposite with modified nanoclay helps it to achieve better shape memory behavior against flipping induced stacking of hard segment with temperature along with poor interaction decreases its shape memory behavior in nanocomposite with unmodified nanoclay. Temperature dependent nanostructure reveals the cause of variation in shape memory behavior in presence of organically modified nanoclay. Further, the cell culture studies like cell adhesion, cell viability assay and fluorescence imaging, suggest superior biomaterial of the nanocomposite with modified nanoclay as compared to other composite. Better biodegradable nature of the modified nanocomposite makes it suitable candidate for its potential biomedical applications.

Effects of added nanoclay for styrene-acrylic resin on intumescent fire retardancy and CO/CO2 emission

Coating plywood with intumescent paint is an effective approach to ensure fire safety in materials. This study investigated the effects of applying an intumescent coating with nanoclay and different amounts of Cloisite 15A (1%, 3%, 5%, and 10%) on 4-mm plywood panels. The nanoclay coating had a lower total heat release and peak heat release rate than other approaches, and it significantly enhanced the fire retardancy of painted plywood. In addition, nanoclay treated with an organic modifier has better flame retardancy than unmodified nanoclay. Another critical parameter in this study was the concentration of organoclay added to the intumescent coating. Cloisite 15A at a concentration of 1% further enhanced the fire retardancy of plywood. A higher organoclay concentration can reduce CO emissions; however, it also increases CO2 emissions during combustion. The intumescent char layers containing 1% and 3% organoclay had the most extensive phosphocarbonaceous structures according to Fourier-transform IR spectroscopy and 27Al and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance analyses. Regarding the mechanism of fire performance and CO/CO2 emissions, the addition of 1% and 3% Cloisite 15A to intumescent coatings is recommended; it achieved superior performance to Cloisite 15A at a higher concentration (i.e., 10%).

The flexural and impact behavior of the laminated aluminum-epoxy/basalt fibers composites containing nanoclay: An experimental investigation

In this study, the effect of different weight percents of modified/unmodified nanoclay particles on the flexural and impact properties of fiber–metal laminates made of 2024-T3 aluminum sheets and basalt fibers as the reinforcements and epoxy as the matrix was investigated. As a first step, the surface of nanoclay particles was modified by the silane-coupling agent. The creation of the functional groups on the surface of nanoclay particles was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses. The modified nanoclay with different weight percents of 0, 1, 3, and 5 was added into the epoxy matrix; then, for the better distribution and dispersion of nanoparticles in the matrix, the mechanical and ultra-sonication machines were used. Also, to ensure better interaction and adherence between the matrix and the aluminum sheets, the mechanical and chemical treatments were conducted. Then, the mixture of epoxy and nanoclay with woven basalt fibers and aluminum sheets was used to fabricate fiber–metal laminates. To survey the effect of these nanoparticles on the mechanical properties, the three-point bending test and the high-velocity impact test were used. The results showed that the maximum effect of adding nanoclay particles on the flexural and impact behavior was obtained by using 3 wt.% of the modified nanoclay. These properties of fiber–metal laminates, which contained the 3 wt.% unmodified nanoclay, were weakened in comparison to a similar specimen containing the modified nanoclay. Furthermore, the flexural modulus was enhanced by increasing the weight percent of the nanoparticles. Also, to investigate the fracture mechanism, the field emission scanning electron microscope was used. The microscopic images revealed that adding nanoclay particles led to the improvement of the interaction between the matrix and basalt fibers, thereby improving the flexural and impact properties.

Strategy to improve PA6 performances by melt compounding

PA6 is widely used for packaging and engineering applications. Literature reports that organically modified nanoclays can improve its flame resistance, thermo-mechanical and gas barrier properties. This study aims at showing a new approach to effectively disperse an unmodified nanoclay (MMT) in PA6 by melt compounding polymeric matrix and clay in the presence of dipentaerythritol (DPE). The prepared composites have been studied in terms of composition and thermal characteristics; moreover, by using a combination of wide and small angle X-ray diffraction data and transmission electron microscopy observations it has been possible to draw the conclusion that a good dispersion of MMT platelets is obtained. The reason has been imputed to probable interactions between DPE, PA6 and clay. On the other hand, the nanoclay can prevent the DPE separation by crystallization. This synergistic effect between DPE and MMT has been observed for balanced amounts of additive and clay. Final properties, in particular barrier properties, are notably enhanced.

Effect of unmodified and modified montmorillonite on the properties of PCL based ultrafiltration membrane for water treatment applications

This work presents the preparation of membranes using polycaprolactone (PCL), a biodegradable polymer incorporating unmodified and modified nanoclay using phase inversion technique. The membranes prepared with the incorporation of 0.1g to 0.4g of unmodified nanoclay and 0.05 g to 0.15g of modified nanoclay were studied with respect to porosity, hydrophilicity, chemistry, mechanical and thermal properties and morphological characteristics. The results showed that the membrane incorporated with unmodified nanoclay has enhanced strength and porosity compared to the membrane with modified nanoclay and neat PCL. An increase in water permeability is shown by the incorporation of unmodified nanoclay and contact angle measurement results revealed an increased hydrophilicity with a decrease in membrane roughness which was confirmed using AFM analysis. The surface morphology was examined using SEM analysis and the results revealed that on adding unmodified nanoclay, the average pore size decreased from 6.2μm to 4.5μm and for membranes with modified nanoclay, the average pore size was found to be 1μm. The prepared membranes were tested for the rejection of Congo Red and the performance were analysed.

Modified preparation of HDPE/clay nanocomposite by in situ polymerization using a metallocene catalyst

In this study, preparation of high-density polyethylene (HDPE)/clay nanocomposite by in situ polymerization of ethylene using a zirconocene catalyst (bis-(cyclopentadienyl) zirconium dichloride (Cp2ZrCl2)) was investigated. To obtain higher efficiency, nanoclay particles (Na-montmorillonite) were modified by ammonia (NH3), NH3/methylaluminoxane (MAO), NH3/dodecylamine (DDA), and NH3/MAO/DDA systems. The results showed that the activity of the catalyst supported on the nanoclay particles modified by NH3/MAO (762 gp/mmol (Zr) t [atm]) was higher than that of the one supported on the unmodified nanoclay as well as the other prepared modified nanoclay-supported catalyst systems. The catalyst activities versus MAO concentration in NH3/MAO treatment system and versus DDA concentration in NH3/DDA system showed a maximum. Unexpectedly, a very low catalyst activity (180 gp/mmol(Zr) t [atm]) was obtained using NH3/MAO/DDA system. X-ray diffraction patterns showed that the HDPE/clay nanocomposites prepared by NH3/MAO/DDA treatment system had less intercalated structure. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed that water molecules of the nanoclay particles were reduced by NH3 modification. DSC results revealed that crystallinity of the HDPE/clay nanocomposites increased with the modification of the nanoclay particles. The maximum degree of crystallinity of 80.8% was obtained for HDPE/clay nanocomposites prepared by the nanoclay modified by NH3. In addition, nanoclay modification with NH3, NH3/MAO, and NH3/DDA systems resulted in higher thermal decomposition temperature (~30 °C higher than 480 °C of the unmodified one). Such increase was not observed for the NH3/MAO/DDA treatment system. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed an increase in the elastic modulus of the nanocomposite samples prepared by modified nanoclay particles, as well. Meanwhile, modification of the nanoclay particles by NH3 led to the highest elastic behavior compared to the other modification systems. It was about 4.6 GPa which was 28% higher than the elastic modulus of the nanocomposite prepared by unmodified nanoclay particles.

Low-weight Impact Behaviour of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Methyl Methacrylate Nanocomposites

Inthis study, the carbon fibre reinforced methyl methacrylate (CF/MMA) compositetoecap for safety shoes was manufactured to increase the energy absorptioncapacity during impact. Different types of nanofillers such as organic andinorganic nanotubes, unmodified and organically modified nanoclays were appliedto modify matrix impact properties. The drop-weight impact tests of thenanocomposite toecap were performed with respect to nanofiller nature andcarbon fibre stacking sequence. It was found that the most influence on thestiffness and impact damage of the carbon fibre methyl methacrylatenanocomposite toecaps besides stacking sequence show organic and inorganic nanotubesor unmodified nanoclay. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ms.21.2.7075

Mechanical and barrier properties of guar gum based nano-composite films

Guar gum based nano-composite films were prepared using organically modified (cloisite 20A) and unmodified (nanofil 116) nanoclays. Effect of nanoclay incorporation on mechanical strength, water vapor barrier property, chromatic characteristics and opacity of films was evaluated. Nano-composites were characterized using X-ray scattering, FTIR and scanning electron microscopy. A nanoclay concentration dependent increase in mechanical strength and reduction in water vapor transmission rate was observed. Films containing nanofil 116 (2.5% w/w guar gum) and closite 20A (10% w/w guar gum) demonstrated a 102% and 41% higher tensile strength, respectively, as compared to the control. Lower tensile strength of cloisite 20A films as compared to nanofil 116 films was due to its incompatibility with guar gum. X-ray scattering analysis revealed that interstitial spacing between nanofil 116 and cloisite 20A sheets increased due to intercalation by guar gum polymer. This resulted in improved mechanical and barrier properties of nano-composites compared to control.

Highly exfoliated eco-friendly thermoplastic starch (TPS)/poly (lactic acid)(PLA)/clay nanocomposites using unmodified nanoclay

Highly exfoliated, biodegradable thermoplastic starch (TPS)/polylactic acid (PLA)/sodium montmorillonite (NaMMT) nanocomposites were prepared by an eco-friendly approach, involving in-situ gelatinization of potato starch in presence of dispersed nanoclay followed by melt mixing with PLA. The morphological analysis revealed that the NaMMT was selectively dispersed into the TPS in a highly delaminated manner. An increase in mechanical as well as thermomechanical properties was evident in the presence of PLA and more influenced in the presence of clay. The water absorption was significantly decreased in the presence of PLA (∼8%) itself and both PLA and clay (∼8–12%) in the nanocomposites. The improved mechanical properties along with its biodegradability might lead to a new green material in the area of packaging.

Effect of surfactant types and their concentration on the structural characteristics of nanoclay

A series of organo-modified nanoclays was synthesized using three different surfactants having different alkyl chain lengths and concentrations [0.5–5.0 cation exchange capacity (CEC)]. These surfactants were Ethanolamine (EA), Cetyltrimethylammoniumbromide (CTAB) and Tetraoctadecylammoniumbromide (TO). The obtained modified nanoclays were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and compared with unmodified nanoclay. The results of XRD analysis indicated that the basal d-spacing has increased with increasing alkyl chain length and surfactant concentration. From the obtained microstructures of these organo-modified nanoclays, the mechanism of surfactant adsorption was proposed. At relatively low loading of surfactant, most of surfactant entered the spacing by an ion-exchange mechanism and is adsorbed onto the interlayer cation sites. When the concentration of the surfactant exceeds the CEC of clay, the surfactant molecules then adhere to the surface adsorbed surfactant. Some surfactants entered the interlayers, whereas the others were attached to the clay surface. When the concentration of surfactant increased further beyond 2.0 CEC, the surfactants might occupy the inter-particle space within the house-of-cards aggregate structure.

Elaboration and properties of plasticised chitosan-based exfoliated nano-biocomposites

A series of plasticised chitosan-based materials and nanocomposites were successfully prepared by thermomechanical kneading. During the processing, the montmorillonite (MMT) platelets were fully delaminated. The nanoclay type and content and the preparation method were seen to have an impact on the crystallinity, morphology, glass transition temperature, and mechanical properties of the samples. When higher content (5%) of MMT–Na+ or either content (2.5% or 5%) of chitosan-organomodified MMT (OMMT–Ch) was used, increases in crystallinity and glass transition temperature were observed. Compared to the neat chitosan, the plasticised chitosan-based nano-biocomposites showed drastically improved mechanical properties, which can be ascribed to the excellent dispersion and exfoliation of nanoclay and the strong affinity between the nanoclay and the chitosan matrix. The best mechanical properties obtained were Young's modulus of 164.3 MPa, tensile strength of 13.9 MPa, elongation at break of 62.1%, and energy at break of 0.671 MPa. While the degree of biodegradation was obviously increased by the presence of glycerol, a further increase might be observed especially by the addition of unmodified nanoclay. This could surprisingly contribute to full (100%) biodegradation after 160 days despite the well-known antimicrobial property of chitosan. The results in this study demonstrate the great potential of plasticised chitosan-based nano-biocomposites in applications such as e.g., biodegradable packaging materials.