A novel biodegradable nanocomposite based on poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) and silylated kaolinite/silica core–shell nanoparticles

A novel biodegradable nanocomposite was fabricated based on poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx) and silane-modified kaolinite/silica core–shell nanoparticles (SMKS), via solution-casting method using chloroform as solvent. Unmodified (ORK) and glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (G-silane) surface-modified kaolin (SMK) were also introduced into PHBHHx matrix for comparison. SMKS significantly improved the mechanical properties of the PHBHHx compared to that of ORK and SMK. The composite filled with a low loading of SMKS increased the tensile strength and toughness from 18.2 to 23.5 MPa and 2.6 to 4.2 MPa, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated that SMKS was finely distributed in the PHBHHx matrix compared with the other two kinds of fillers. These significant improvements in these mechanical properties were attributed to the fine dispersion of SMKS into the polymer and covalent interaction between polymer chains and the surface of SMKS.