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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Plant Polymer Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #247998
Title: Melt Processed Blends of Zein with Polyvinylpyrrolidone and Nanoclay

Author
item Woods, Kristen
item Sessa, David

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/1/2009
Publication Date: 1/21/2010
Citation: Woods, K.K., Sessa, D.J. 2010. Melt Processed Blends of Zein with Polyvinylpyrrolidone and Nanoclay. Meeting Abstract.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: In an attempt to improve the tensile properties of zein articles, polymer blends of zein with various amounts of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and Cloisite nanoclay were created. Samples were melt processed on a Brabender single screw extruder with a 3:1 compression screw, then compression molded into bars. For the zein/PVP blends, three different molecular weights of PVP were used between 2.5 and 20% by zein weight. Zein/PVP blends showed a 10-15% increase in tensile strength for bars stored at 50% RH. This increase was not seen for samples with higher levels of PVP stored at 70% RH. For zein samples blended with both PVP and Cloisite, the PVP and Cloisite Na+ were used at concentrations from 1 to 5% by zein weight. Initial testing has shown that zein samples containing 5% Cloisite Na+ exhibited a tensile strength increase of 5-10% compared to control, along with a comparable increase in elongation. Zein samples containing both PVP and Cloisite Na+ exhibited a 10-15% increase in tensile strength and elongation.