Nanocellulose reinforced starch biocomposite films via tape-casting technique

• Published in: Polímeros, ciência e tecnologia ciência e tecnologia, 2024-01, Vol.34 (1)
• Main Authors: Garuti, Giovana Ladislau, Freitas, Roberta Ranielle Matos de, Lima, Vitor Hugo de, Carmo, Karina Palmizani do, Pádua, Franciane Andrade de, Botaro, Vagner Roberto
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: biopolymers; nanocellulose; nanocomposites; POLYMER SCIENCE; starch films; tape-casting
• ISSN: 0104-1428; 1678-5169; 1678-5169
• DOI: 10.1590/0104-1428.20230084

Abstract The objective of this study was to characterize the physicochemical-mechanical properties of corn and cassava starch films reinforced with CNF via Tape-Casting. There were differences in size and shape of the starch granules. Corn starch nanocomposites (NCO) showed a significant increase in tensile strength (5.14 to 25.58 MPa) and significant decrease in strain (24.81 to 2.76%) as the CNF concentration increased. Among the cassava starch nanocomposites (NCA), only the cassava starch sample with 1% CNF (NCA-1) showed significant difference both in the maximum stress (4.94 MPa) and strain (15.17%). The corn starch sample with 2% of CNF (NCO-2) presented a lower roughness and NCA-1 a smooth surface. There was no difference in chemical composition between the samples. The CNF-free starch films showed more transparency than other films. The NCA showed more transparency than NCO. Tape-casting technique unveils enhanced mechanical properties of cellulose nanofiber-reinforced starch films. Starch nanocomposites exhibit improved tensile strength and surface characteristics.