Preparation and characterization of biodegradable nanocomposites derived from carboxymethyl cellulose and hydroxyapatite

Development of a cost-effective technology for extraction and quantification of carcinogenic and toxic organic materials which are widely used in the industry are critical to humans. Membrane technology received much attention and has already been widely used in this area. In this work, we offer a newly developed bio-based nanocomposite membrane for removal of bisphenol-A (BPA) from water. Three natural components hydroxyapatite (HAp), carboxymethyl cellulose and lysine as a diluent were used for making the bio-based membrane. The membrane was fabricated by two different methods, the conventional casting method and the double decomposition method. Analysis and testing results showed that, membrane produced by the casting method is rough, stiff and partially soluble in water. However, the film made by the double decomposition method is smooth, flexible, and has low water solubility. The physicochemical characteristics of the prepared membranes were determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA/DTA). The morphology and components interface were observed by X-ray wide angle (WAXD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron microscopy (SEM/FEG). The spectral and crystallographic data showed the presence of an effective interaction between hydroxyapatite and CMC plasticized with lysine. Results also show that, the particles size of the composite decrease as the content of CMC increases, with an increase of a 2% by weight of CMC the size increases by 18 ± 3 nm. Produced membrane composite could be classified as tri-functional material: it could be useful for extracting toxic material bisphenol A (BPA) from baby food containers; has antimicrobial and antifungal properties; and a valuable candidate for use in bone tissue engineering.