Effect of borax addition on the structural modification of bentonite in biodegradable alginate‐based biocomposites

Abstract

Functionalized next generation biodegradable polymeric systems (bioplastics) that have better compatibility, enhanced relaxation, and thermal properties were designed using bentonite-added alginate biocomposite films in the presence of borax. A series of bentonite-added biocomposite films crosslinked with CaCl 2 were characterized by using methods like XRD, FTIR, TGA, DTA/DSC, DMA, and AFM. A plausible structural mechanism with Ca 2þ crosslinking gel formation known as egg-box and borate ion complexes was proposed to elucidate the interactions between borax and bentonite/alginate biocomposites. Enhanced compatibility and hybrid properties of raw fillers were confirmed by mineral processing steps involving hydrocyclone purification for bentonite and recrystallization steps for borax. The structure of bentonite and also bentonite hybrid biocomposites were clearly improved upon small additions of borax into the matrix. The presence of borax was found to provide a more intercalated or exfoliated morphology for a given hybrid biocomposite structure. Borate ions dissociated in aqueous solution provided a better effect on the intercalation of bentonite by imparting new hydrogen bonding sites, diol-complexes, and didiol-crosslinking gels.

Enhanced performance and interfacial investigation of mineral-based composite phase change materials for thermal energy storage

“…S6), the characteristic vibration peaks of bentonite are at 3618 cm −1 (O-H antisymmetric stretching)3132, 3433 cm −1 (O-H symmetric stretching)19323334, 1634 cm −1 (water bending mode)19323536, 1035 cm −1 (Si-O-Si antisymmetric stretching)3637, 914 cm −1 (Al-OH bending)3338, 798 cm −1 (platy form of tridymite)33, 692 cm −1 (quartz)33, 529 cm −1 (Si-O-Al bending)38 and 465 cm −1 (Si-O bending)35, also all the characteristic peaks reflect in the GB while introducing the graphite to the bentonite. The characteristic peaks of GB are largely consistent with bentonite on account of graphite, which does not exhibit any significant absorption band in the studied region (see Fig.…”

Encapsulation and characterization of slow-release microbial fertilizer from the composites of bentonite and alginate

“…The presence of macrospores in the alginate matrix results in rapid diffusion and release of compounds (Cordoba et al, 2013). Addition of clays in gel-forming alginate polymers produces an excellent matrix to control the release of compounds (Benli, 2013). Bentonite is a kind of sedimentary rock that is rich in smectite, which has some excellent properties such as good water absorption, swelling, and drug-carrying capability because of their unique crystal structure (Gunister et al, 2007;Wu et al, 2008).…”

Bioremediation: Perspectives of the use biopolymers systems for slow release nutrients

“…The reaction with polyvalent cations creates cross-linked structures. These structures produce resistant polymer gels or insoluble polymers (121,122). The high coating of this material, when associated with commercial starch, was responsible for higher cell growth than in the uncapped urea case.…”