Preparation and characterization of chitosan-poly(vinyl alcohol) nanocomposite films embedded with functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube.

The attempt of this study was to modify chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) (CS/PVA) matrix properties using Starch/Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT)-Valine (SMV) nanocomposite (NC) as a new filler. To prevent aggregation and obtain homogeneous dispersion of MWCNT into the matrix, at first the surface of MWCNTs was covalently modified by Valine as a natural amino acid. Then, modified MWCNT was incorporated into the starch matrix for the preparation of SMV NC. In the second step, different concentrations of prepared SMV NCs (30, 50 and 70wt.%) were embedded to the CS-PVA matrix by ultrasonication technique for the fabrication of CS-PVA/SMV NC films. The effect of SMV NC on the properties of CS-PVA was studied by different techniques. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that the thermal stability of the CS-PVA was enhanced after incorporation with nanofillers. The results indicated that prepared NCs were promising adsorbents for the removal of Cd(II) ions from the aqueous solution.