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Toward halal-compliant organoclay from plant-based surfactants: a green approach for food-grade montmorillonite modification

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Veröffentlicht/Copyright: 23. Januar 2026
Pure and Applied Chemistry
Aus der Zeitschrift Pure and Applied Chemistry

Abstract

Sodium montmorillonite (Na-MMT) serves as a popular nanofiller in polymer-based materials; however, its inherent hydrophilicity restricts its interaction with hydrophobic polymer matrices. To improve compatibility, surface treatment with organic surfactants is commonly performed. Traditional methods typically rely on animal-derived surfactants such as hydrogenated tallow, which can be problematic for halal-sensitive applications like food packaging. This study focuses on modifying Na-MMT using plant-based quaternary ammonium compounds – specifically, myristyltrimethylammonium bromide (MTAB) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) – to promote sustainability and potential religious compliance. Ion-exchange reactions were used to intercalate these surfactants into Na-MMT at concentrations of 0.5–2.0 times the cation exchange capacity (CEC). Structural and morphological changes were examined using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), CHNS elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and water contact angle measurements. FTIR spectra verified surfactant inclusion, and XRD revealed expanded basal spacing, more pronounced in samples modified with longer alkyl chains. Thermal behavior, as assessed by TGA, varied depending on surfactant type and loading. Increased hydrophobicity was demonstrated through contact angle testing, especially for CTAB- and MTAB-treated clays. The findings highlight the effectiveness of MTAB and CTAB as plant-derived modifiers, offering a reliable, plant-based alternative with halal-compliant potential for enhancing Na-MMT in nanocomposite formulations intended for food packaging applications.

Keywords: Food packaging; halal organoclay; IUPAC2025; montmorillonite modification; plant-derived surfactants; sustainable surfactants
Corresponding author: Mohd Aidil Adhha Abdullah, Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia, e-mail:
Article note: A collection of articles based on contributions from the 50th IUPAC World Chemistry Congress held from July 14 to 19, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and organized by the Institut Kimia Malaysia (IKM).

Funding source: Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) through the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme

Award Identifier / Grant number: FRGS/1/2023/STG05/UMT/02/3

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) for the support provided. This research was supported by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) through the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme FRGS/1/2023/STG05/UMT/02/3.

  1. Research ethics: Not applicable.

  2. Informed consent: Not applicable.

  3. Author contributions: N.A.Z. performed the montmorillonite modification experiments, characterization, data analysis and prepared the manuscript draft under the supervision of M.A.A.A. and M.M., who guided the clay modification strategy. M.K.M.Z., N.M.S. and A.F.O contributed through project planning discussions and provided scientific input related to their areas of expertise. All authors contributed to the interpretation of results and approved the final manuscript.

  4. Use of Large Language Models, AI and Machine Learning Tools: None declared.

  5. Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

  6. Research funding: This research was supported by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) through the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme FRGS/1/2023/STG05/UMT/02/3.

  7. Data availability: The data supporting the findings of this study are available from the author upon reasonable request.

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Received: 2025-09-25
Accepted: 2026-01-05
Published Online: 2026-01-23

© 2026 IUPAC & De Gruyter

https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2025-0626
Schlagwörter für diesen Artikel
Food packaging; halal organoclay; IUPAC2025; montmorillonite modification; plant-derived surfactants; sustainable surfactants
Heruntergeladen am 30.4.2026 von https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/pac-2025-0626/html?lang=de
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