Scientific publications
* (Corresponding author)
Other affiliations: Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire des Environnements Continentaux · Université de Lorraine
Fabien Thomas
Other affiliations: Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire des Environnements Continentaux · Université de Lorraine
Sandrine Hoppe
Other affiliations: Laboratoire Réactions et Génie des Procédés
Journal of Polymer Engineering
Abstract In the present study, a combined use of photonic microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and 3D X-ray tomography is carried out in order to analyze the dispersion and the distribution of raw and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)-intercalated kaolinite used as filler in cassava starch-based films. It is shown that the association of these techniques allows a valuable analysis of clay dispersion in polymer-clay composite films. In the case of kaolinite-starch composite films on which this study is focused, it is obvious that previous intercalation of kaolinite with DMSO is an efficient way to improve dispersion and distribution of kaolinite in a starch polymer matrix.
