Development of Starch/Urea Composite Modified with Nanoclay

The effect of organophilic montmorillonite ( Cloisite 30B) into tapioca starch on the morphology, crystallization behavior, microstructure development and mechanical properties. Different clay contents were used to find out the optimum between properties, filling grade and level of exfoliation. The starch/clay nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and thermalgravimetric analysis. Scanning electron microscopy showed, content of organoclay played significant role on the dispersion and enhancing properties for starch/clay nanocomposites. Nanoclay thermal properties were realized using TGA that exhibit excellent properties of higher thermal stability. Starch/clay nanocomposites were found to have better swelling capacity in distilled water. Exfoliated nanoclay morphology was investigated by using X-ray diffraction. So, the nanocomposites are expected to useful as controlled release fertilizer.