Effects of Nano Cellulose and Nano Clay on Properties of Biodegradable Composites Made of Recycled Polymers and Industrial Saw Dust

Abstract Effects of temperature, cellulose Nano fibers and Nano clay particles on mechanical, physical and morphological properties of biodegradable composites made of recycled thermoplastic starch biopolymer and regular mixed industrial sawdust are investigated. To this aim Cellulose Nano Fibers and Nano Clay particles were selected to be 0, 3 and 5 weight percent and were added to prepared biodegradable composites by using internal mixer and samples prepared by injection molding. Mechanical properties including tensile modulus and strength, flexural modulus and strength were extracted at temperatures ranging from 23 ºC to 80 ºC. Impact test and water absorption and thickness swelling were also performed according to related standards. Results show that elevating the temperature drastically reduce mechanical properties. Nano Clay addition results in better mechanical properties except for impact and water absorption and thickness swelling are improved. Using 5% Cellulose Nano Fibers improves mechanical and morphological properties better than 3% addition. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis revealed Nano composites samples with 5% Nano Clay and Cellulose Nano Fibers has higher storage modulus and glass transition temperatures in compare to pure composite samples. This Nano particles can be successfully used to improve properties and performance except for fracture resistance.