Preparation and Characterization of Bionanocomposites Based on Benzylated Wheat Straw and Nanoclay

The main goal of this study was to chemically modify the structure of thermoset-like wheat straw using benzylation reaction, change it to thermoplastic material and clarify the precise role of nanoclay on properties of nanocomposites. Thermoplastic benzylated wheat straw (BWS) nanocomposites prepared via solvent casting. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectra confirmed the substitution of H groups with benzyl groups. X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests demonstrated good dispersion and intercalation of nanoclay. Thermal studies confirmed the thermoplasticity of the samples, while the addition of up to 5% nanoclay showed the increase in crystallization, Tg and Tm. Nanoclay also can retard thermal decomposition process. The presence of nanoclay improved all mechanical properties except the elongation at break. Nanocomposite with 5% nanoclay showed minimum water absorption and highest hydrophobicity comparing to other samples. This novel bionanocomposite could be a suitable alternative for replacing oil-based plastics in biomembranes and bioseparation processes.