Microstructural and Finite Element Analysis - Assisted Nanomechanical Characterization of Maize Starch Nanocomposite Films

Abstract Biocomposite films were prepared using normal maize starch plasticized with glycerol and water and sodium montmorillonite clay particles employing the solution mixing procedure. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), three-dimensional profilometry and tensile along with nanoindentation tests assisted with a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) were used for the assessment of starch-based films with various percentages of nanoclay particles. XRD analysis revealed intercalation of the test specimens while their morphology was ascertained using SEM/EDX. The FEA results were compared with the experimental measurements from nanoindentation and tensile tests. A satisfactory correlation was obtained between the experimental measurements and the computational models, demonstrating FEA-assisted nanoindentation as a useful technique for assessment, showing the effect of the different nanoclay concentrations on the mechanical properties.