Synthesis of gas barrier starch by dispersion of functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes

Nanocomposite films were prepared successfully by simple solution casting method from plasticized starch/functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (PS/f-MWCNTs). The interaction of starch with functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube (f-MWCNT) was evidenced by ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy and Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The morphological and thermal properties of the composite films were investigated using scanning electron microscope (SEM), high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). The electrical conductivity of the composites was increased significantly by sixteen times, from 0.1 × 10−9 to 1.6 × 10−9 S/cm. This reveals better dispersion of f-MWCNT with low concentration of f-MWCNT. The oxygen permeability of the composites was reduced by half as compared to virgin PS. This indicates better dispersion of f-MWCNT in PS matrix due to formation of strong hydrogen bonding with PS matrix.