Development and Characterization of Novel Composites from Soy Bean Protein

Soy based nano-biocomposites were prepared using different percentages of montmorillonite (MMT), and Cloisite 20A nanoclays with soy resin by solution casting process. Protein content was calculated using Lowry's method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis were carried out to explore the intercalation/exfoliation nature of clay inside soy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of nanoclay reinforced soy composite suggests distribution of nanoclay inside the matrix domain. From soil burial degradation analysis, it was found that developed composites are completely degradable in nature. The novel nanoclay soy resin formulation can be employed as matrix for fiber reinforced composite fabrication as well as developed nano-biocomposites can be utilized as low strength packaging materials by replacing synthetic polymer and that based composites.