Synergistic effect of combined nanoparticles to elaborate exfoliated egg-white protein-based nanobiocomposites

Efficient dispersion of nanoclays in biopolymer matrices is a key problem in nanobiocomposite development. A particular challenge is the homogeneous dispersion of layered silicates, termed exfoliation in biopolymer matrices as opposed to agglomeration and intercalation of such filler materials, since inhomogeneous nanobiocomposites often have unsatisfying properties. This work reports the successful elaboration of egg white protein/montmorillonite clay nanobiocomposites obtained by thermomechanical processing. A synergistic effect of combined natural (MMT-Na) and organomodified (OMMT) nanoparticles has been observed to elaborate exfoliated egg-white protein-based nanobiocomposites. Tensile tests performed on the obtained nanobiocomposites showed that exfoliated nanobiocomposites display enhanced mechanical properties compared to those of the intercalated nanobiocomposites and neat matrix. These results clearly highlight the great interest in using combined nanoclays to obtain protein-based nanobiocomposites with improved properties.