Preparation and characterization of novel bionanocomposite based on soluble soybean polysaccharide and halloysite nanoclay

In this research, casting method was used to prepare novel polysaccharide-based bio-nanocomposite films with halloysite nanoclay (HNC). HNC was incorporated into soluble soybean polysaccharide (SSPS) at different concentrations (e.g., 1, 3, and 5%, w/w). Functional properties of SSPS films were evaluated following by ASTM standards. Incorporating HNC to SSPS matrix decreased water vapor permeability from 7.41 × 10−11 to 3.27 × 10−11 (g m−1 s−1 Pa−1) and oxygen permeability from 202 to 84 cm3 (μm m−2 day−1 atm−1). By addition of HNC to SSPS films, glass transition temperature, tensile strength, and heat seal strength was increased and elongation at break was decreased. Uniform and smooth surface morphology revealed by scanning electron microscopy and shows no sign of phase separation among the film constitutes. In summary, HNC has the potential to be a filler in SSPS-based films for use in food and non-food packaging industries.