1. 3D Model to Predict the Moisture Diffusion Patterns
Through Bionanocomposite Films
Vimala Bharathi SK, Maria Leena M, Moses JA, Anandharamakrishnan C*
Computational Modeling and Nanoscale Processing Unit
Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology
Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India
Pudukkottai Road, Thanjavur , Tamil Nadu, India *
Introduction
Bionanocomposites are explored more due to the negative environmental impact of synthetic polymers as well as for overcoming the barrier downsides of biopolymers
Percent loading, angle of orientation and degree of exfoliation of nanofillers influence the properties of bionanocomposites
The prediction of barrier properties in 2D view can be misleading, as the thickness and the dispersion of the clay along the thickness of the matrix also plays a significant role
Results
Concentration
(mol/m3)
α = 1% (w/w) % (w/w) % (w/w) % (w/w)
θ = ° ° ° °
Plain film Intercalated Exfoliated Randomly arranged
Figure 2. Effect of various % loading, angle of inclination and arrangement of nanoplatelets on moisture diffusion (at s)
(α – Percent loading; θ – Angle of inclination)
Computational Methods
A three dimensional finite element model was developed based on the Fickian diffusion model a c b
XY View
3D View
Figure 3. Effect of various percent loading, angle of inclination of nanoplatelets on moisture diffusion (at s)
Figure 4. Effect of nanoplatelets arrangement on moisture diffusion ( s)
Conclusions
Barrier properties of bionanocomposites depends on percent loading as well as the angle of inclination of nanoreinforcements
Barrier properties increases with increase in degree of exfoliation
Acknowledgement
The authors acknowledge Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), Government of India for financial support
References
Bharadwaj, R. K. (2001). Modeling the Barrier Properties of Polymer-Layered Silicate Nanocomposites. macromolecules, 34,
Figure 1. Geometry of Chitosan-MMT nanocomposites
(a – Plain chitosan film; b – Orderly arranged Chitosan – MMT nanocomposite; c – Randomly arranged Chitosan-MMT nanocomposite)