Application of ultrasonic irradiation as a benign method for production of glycerol plasticized-starch/ascorbic acid functionalized MWCNTs nanocomposites: Investigation of methylene blue adsorption and electrical properties

Abstract

A solution mixing and ultrasonic dispersion method as a green, the fast, inexpensive and effective technique was utilized to prepare glycerol plasticized-starch (GPS)/ascorbic acid (AA)-MWCNTs nanocomposites (NCs) via the introduction of various amounts of AA-MWCNTs (3, 6 and 9 wt%) as filler into GPS matrix. The GPS was synthesized by addition of glycerol (50%) as a plasticizer to starch which enhances its flexibility. Characterization of the obtained GPS/AA-MWCNTs NCs was accomplished by different techniques. The optimum filler content for the generation of fine electrical conductivity and good mechanical properties was found to be about 3 wt%. The distribution of AA-MWCNTs at the low content (3 wt%) in the GPS matrix was better due to the strong linkage between nanofiller and GPS in GPS/AA-MWCNTs NC. The results of adsorption studies showed that the fabricated NC can be a good adsorbent for removal of methylene blue (MB) dye from aqueous solutions.