Polymer Matrix for Nanocomposite

Directly extracted or removed from biomass (i.e., polysaccharides, proteins, polypeptides, polynucleotides)  

Produced by classical chemical synthesis using renewable biobased monomers or mixed sources of biomass and petroleum (i.e., polylactic acid or bio-polyester)  

Produced by microorganism or genetically modified bacteria (polyhydroxybutyrate, bacterial cellulose, xanthan, curdian, pullan). 

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Cellulose has been identified as a source of biopolymer that can be used as a substitute for petroleum polymers. EPN have been successfully synthesized from cellulose acetate, triethyl citrate plasticizer, and organically modified clay (Misra 2004). The polymer matrix for nanocomposite contains 80 wt% pure cellulose acetate and 20 wt% triethyl citrate plasticizer. Results show that better exfoliated and intercalated structure were obtained from nanocomposites containing 5 and 10 wt% organoclay compared with that of 15 wt% organoclay. Tensile strength of ceUulosic plastic reinforced with 10 wt% organoclay improved by 180 % and thermal stability of the cellulosic plastic also increased. 

The selection of an appropriate polymer matrix for nanocomposites is especially crucial in terms of the design and development of medical implants and products. Biodegradable polymer matrices can be either of natural or synthetic origin. As shown in Fig. 21.24. Natural, biobased polymers can be dived into three groups directty produced by genetically modified organisms, synthesized from biobased monomers or directly from biomass. Polymers synthesized from biobased monomers are often regarded as synthetic [36,39,40]. 

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