Effect of zinc oxide and nanoclay on crosslinked jute-reinforced soy flour green nanocomposites

We report herein the effect of ZnO nanoparticles alone and in combination with nanoclay reinforced with jute fabric and glutaraldehyde-crosslinked soy flour “Green” nanocomposites. Solution-induced intercalation method has been executed for fabrication of the nanocomposites. The successful incorporation of ZnO nanoparticles and nanoclays is clearly revealed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and transmission electron microscopy studies. The thermal and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites are determined using thermogravimetric analysis and mechanical tests, respectively. Significant differences have been observed according to the amount of nanofillers used as reinforcement. Furthermore, in comparison to the unfilled nanocomposites, nanoparticles filled ones are found to exhibit much better dimensional stability, UV resistance, and flame-retarding properties. The nanoclay-loaded soy flour–jute composite shows better biodegradation compared to ZnO nanoparticles-incorporated soy flour–jute composites.