Effect of Laponite® on the structure, thermal stability and barrier properties of nanocomposite gelatin films

The effect of Laponite® (a synthetic clay) on the structure, thermal and water vapor barrier properties of nanocomposite gelatin films produced by casting with 0, 4.5 and 15% w Lap/w gelatin, was studied. X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurements were reported. The X-ray diffraction patterns showed dual crystalline structure of the films with collagen-type bundles of triple helices, intercalated inside clay platelets, increasing interlayer distances. Depending on the renaturation of triple-helices and Laponite content, the glass transition temperatures substantially decreased. The amount of helices decreased with Lap concentration, affecting the enthalpy of melting. The nanocomposite gelatin films showed improved thermal stability. Changes of water vapor permeability could be related to the presence of a larger free volume of the coils and intercalated structures, facilitating water transfer through the film.