Chitosan-based nanocomposites

Abstract

In recent years, bio-nanocomposites, where biopolymers are formulated with fillers with nanometric dimensions, have raised great research interest because of the increasing demand of environmental friendly products. Due to the nanometer size dispersion of the filler particles, these composites, especially natural biopolymer-layered silicate nanocomposites, exhibit markedly improved properties such as increased modulus and strength, decreased barrier properties, increased thermal stability, etc. Consequently, these materials have huge potential for a wide range of applications. This chapter highlights the recent advances in the development of chitosan/montmorillonite nanocomposites. Preparative techniques, characterization and property improvements, and applications of these novel materials are discussed.