Effects of Boron Nitride Nanopowder on Thermal, Chemical and Gas Barrier Properties of Starch

Starch/boron nitride(starch/BN) bionanocomposites were prepared with the reinforcement of boron nitride nano powder by solution technique. The dispersion of BN in the starch was achieved by a continuous sonication process. The interaction between starch and boron nitride nanopowder was investigated by Fourier transform infrared(FTIR) spectroscopy. The structural properties of starch/BN bionanocomposites was studied by X-ray diffraction(XRD). The high resolution transmission electron microscopy(HRTEM) was used for the study of dispersion of boron nitride in starch matrix and diffraction patterns were studied by selected area electron diffraction(SAED). Thermal stability of the starch was increased with rising concentrations of boron nitride due to incorporation of rigid nano BN with starch matrix. The substantial reduction in oxygen permeability was obtained by increasing the concentration of BN. The biodegradability of synthesized bionanocomposites was measured by using activated sludge water. Further, it was noticed that, starch/BN bionanocomposites are resistant towards inorganic acids and bases. The tensile strength of starch/BN bionanocomposites was increased whereas; the water resistance property of the materials was decreased with increasing BN loading.