Impact of modified biopolymer on properties of clay composites

Abstract

This research investigates the impact of a modified biopolymer, retrograded corn starch, on the physical-mechanical and hygroscopic properties of clay composites. Clay composites were produced using varying amounts of the modified biopolymer (2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%). Results showed that the addition of the retrograded starch polymer had a significant effect on the properties of the clay composites. Incorporating of retrograded starch polymer into the clay matrix resulted in a 72% increase in compressive strength (6.8 to 11.9 MPa), a 29% increase in surface moisture adsorption (from 141.1 to 182.43 g/m2), and a 36% decrease in the initial rate of capillarity absorption (from 0.55 to 0.35 g/cm2*min).