TiO2/starch-based biodegradable copolymer nanocomposite as a plant growth regulator

Abstract

This study describes the development of a nano-titanium dioxide (TiO2)-based composite of starch-co-poly(acrylamide) (St-g-PAM) copolymer. The graft copolymer was characterised by Fourier transform infrared analysis, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), field emission scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. It was confirmed that acrylamide was grafted over starch successfully. Also, the effects of pH, initiator dosage, temperature and time on grafting percentage and efficiency were investigated. The synthesised titanium dioxide nanoparticle successfully enhancing the thermal and biological properties of a native copolymer was confirmed by TGA and biological assay. This titanium dioxide nanocomposite starch-co-poly(acrylamide) (titanium dioxide/St-g-PAM) showed some important properties, such as plant growth regulation, and acted as a superabsorbent polymer with excellent thermal properties and antibacterial activity. The synthesised titanium dioxide nanoparticle is biodegradable and environment-friendly and accomplished the concept of green chemistry.