Influence of brazilian vermiculite clay in biodegradation of PHB films

Abstract

This study aimed to prepare and to evaluate natural and modified PHB /vermiculite films in quantities of 1%, 3% and 6% by weight, through melt intercalation and solution intercalation methods. The bionanocomposites in the form of thin films, obtained by the melt intercalation method, were prepared in a single screw extruder and then molded via compression. In the preparation of the films by solution method, the systems were stirred and heated at 80 °C in the presence of the chloroform solvent. The systems were evaluated by X-ray diffraction and the degradation behavior was evaluated according to ASTM G 160-03, by visual inspection and through weight loss. It was observed that the percentage of clay and the method of obtaining of the films influenced in the structure and biodegradability of the systems.

Keywords:
biodegradable polymers; vermiculite clay; biodegradation test; bionanocomposites