Biodegradable foamlike materials based. on a naturally occurring polymer (casein protein) and sodium montmorillonite clay (Na+-MMT) were produced through a simple freeze-drying process. By utilizing DL-glyceraldehyde (GC) as a chemical cross-linking agent, the structural integrity of these new aerogels were remarkably improved when compared to those of the control system (without GC), with a minimal increase in the density from 0.11 to 0.12 g cm(-3). The degree of perfection of the foamlike structures was another parameter that had a significant influence on the physical and thermal performances Of the low density composites. The biodegradability of the aerogels was investigated in terms of the carbon dioxide (CO2) evolution for up to 8 weeks in compost media under controlled conditions.