The utilization of biopolymers and the development of organic-inorganic hybrids are ever increasing interest of material science researchers around the globe for various applications. The present attempt is intended to prepare nanocomposites of lactic acid grafted chitosan and layered silicates. Nanocomposites were prepared by dissolving chitosan and dispersing sodium montmorillonite in aqueous solution of L-lactic acid with subsequent heating and film casting. They were characterized by conventional techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, thermogravimetric analysis, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. The results from polar optical and transmission electron microscopic measurements are also discussed. Sorption behavior of samples has been followed by measuring swelling degree and contact angle. The films have shown enhanced hydrophilicity when compared with polylactic acid (PLA). Issues on the interactions of polycationic chitosan with clay are also discussed. It is observed that nanocomposites are exhibiting better thermal and physical properties than neat chitosang-LA and PLA. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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