In this research plasticized starch (PS) based nanocomposites with varying Vadakste clay (V) clay content (1 to 6 wt. %) are investigated. Fabrication technology of the nanocomposites by using solution intercalation method is worked out. Structure, tensile mechanical properties and moisture sorption-desorption kinetics of the PS/V nanocomposites are investigated. A mathematical model for characterization of the elastic properties of the PS/V nanocomposite is developed.

Manufacturing procedure of the PS/V nanocomposites included following technological steps: (1) preparation of the V dispersion in the distilled water; (2) treatment of the V dispersion with ultrasound (US); (3) fabrication of the PS/V dispersion with defined amounts of water, glycerol, starch and V. During the manufacturing procedure it was determined that 45 minute US treatment time is optimal for fabrication of the nanocomposites with a glycerol: starch ratio 3:5. Tensile stress-strain behaviour of PS/V nanocomposites, obtained according to such a technological procedure, substantially improved with addition of considerable small amounts of the clay nanofiller. Tensile strength and Young‘s modulus of the PS/V nanocomposites with V content of 6 wt. % increase 1,9 and 2,6 times respectively, while ultimate elongation decrease to some extent. Such a clay content, however, does not cause  brittlening of the nanocomposite. By increasing absorbed moisture level, stress-strain behaviour of the nanocpomposites worsen, however, clay particles still show it reinforcing effect. Found mathematical model that can be used for the nanocomposite elasticity constant prediction considers most important structural aspects of the multilayered clay mineral, including amount of the elementar layers in the packet, interlayer space, density, shape, dimensions and aspect ratio of the clay particles. Coefficient of the moisture transmission rate of the nanocomposites at this clay content decreases 2,1 times.

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