Abstract The aim of this study is the design and preparation of Mater-Bi/halloysite nanocomposite materials that could be employed as bioplastics alternative to the petroleum derived products. The biocomposite materials at variable halloysite content (from 0 to 30 wt%) were prepared by using the solvent casting method. We investigated the mechanical behaviour and the thermal properties of the prepared nanocomposites in order to estimate their suitability as biocompatible packaging materials. The thermo-mechanical characteristics were correlated to the nanocomposites' morphologies, which were studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). As a general result, the physico-chemical performances of Mater-Bi were improved by the presence of small amounts of nanotubes, which evidenced a homogenous distribution in the polymer matrix. The strongest enhancements of the thermal stability and tensile properties were achieved for Mater-Bi/halloysite 10 wt%. A further addition of nanotubes determined the worsening of both thermal stability and mechanical behaviour. The attained knowledge represents the starting step for the development of packaging films composed by Mater-Bi and halloysite nanotubes.

中文翻译：

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埃洛石含量对复合生物塑料热力学性能的影响

摘要 本研究的目的是设计和制备可用作石油衍生产品的生物塑料替代品的 Mater-Bi/埃洛石纳米复合材料。采用溶剂浇铸法制备了埃洛石含量可变（0～30%）的生物复合材料。我们研究了制备的纳米复合材料的机械性能和热性能，以评估它们作为生物相容性包装材料的适用性。热机械特性与纳米复合材料的形态相关，通过扫描电子显微镜 (SEM) 对其进行研究。作为一般结果，Mater-Bi 的物理化学性能因少量纳米管的存在而得到改善，这证明了聚合物基质中的均匀分布。Mater-Bi/埃洛石 10 wt% 的热稳定性和拉伸性能得到了最强的增强。进一步添加纳米管决定了热稳定性和机械性能的恶化。所获得的知识代表了开发由 Mater-Bi 和埃洛石纳米管组成的包装薄膜的第一步。