Starch/MWCNT-vitamin C nanocomposites: Electrical, thermal properties and their utilization for removal of methyl orange

Abstract

In the present study, the surface of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT)s is modified by ascorbic acid (AA) (vitamin C) for their dispersion improvement in the starch matrix. Then, the starch-based nanocomposites (NCs) containing 3, 6 and 9 wt% of AS modified MWCNTs (AA-MWCNT)s were fabricated via ultrasonication method. Characterization of the prepared NCs was accomplished by different techniques. The optimum MWCNT content for the generation of fine electrical conductivity was found to be about 3 wt%, indicating better dispersion of AA-MWCNT with low amount of AA-MWCNT. The adsorption efficiency of starch/AA-MWCNTs NCs is examined using methyl orange (MO) as adsorbate. Finally, it is concluded that starch/AA-MWCNTs NC is an effective adsorbent for the uptake of MO dye from aqueous solution.