Compatibilization of starch–zein melt processed blends by an ionic liquid used as plasticizer

► [BMIM]Cl is shown to be a better plasticizer than glycerol, for starch and zein. ► Specific mechanical energy and melt viscosity of starch decrease with [BMIM]Cl. ► Zein aggregates in starch rich blends are smaller in presence of [BMIM]Cl. ► Mechanical tests show a compatibilization of starch/zein...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Carbohydrate polymers 2012-07, Vol.89 (3), p.955-963
Main Authors: Leroy, Eric, Jacquet, Pierre, Coativy, Gildas, Reguerre, Anne laure, Lourdin, Denis
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
biopolymers
energy
Exact sciences and technology
Extrusion
glycerol
hygroscopicity
Ionic liquid
ionic liquids
Ionic Liquids - chemistry
melting
mixing
Natural polymers
Physicochemistry of polymers
plasticizers
Plasticizers - chemistry
Polymer blends
Processing
Proteins
Starch
Starch - chemistry
Starch and polysaccharides
thermoplastics
viscosity
Zein
Zein - chemistry
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Summary:► [BMIM]Cl is shown to be a better plasticizer than glycerol, for starch and zein. ► Specific mechanical energy and melt viscosity of starch decrease with [BMIM]Cl. ► Zein aggregates in starch rich blends are smaller in presence of [BMIM]Cl. ► Mechanical tests show a compatibilization of starch/zein blends with [BMIM]Cl. An ionic liquid (1-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium chloride [BMIM]Cl) was used as a plasticizer in starch, zein and their blends; and compared to glycerol, a classical plasticizer of starch. Thermoplastic plasticized biopolymer materials were obtained by melt processing using a twin screw microcompounder. Such a device allows simulating a twin screw extrusion process on small batches of a few grams, and to evaluate the necessary specific mechanical energy input for native starch destructurization; and the final apparent melt viscosity. Both were shown to be significantly reduced for starch in presence of [BMIM]Cl (compared to glycerol), while zein processing behavior was less sensitive to the plasticizer used. This induces significant starch/zein viscosity ratio differences, which affect melt mixing of the starch zein blends. In starch rich blends, this results in smaller zein aggregates in the case of [BMIM]Cl. The characterization of the materials indicates that, compared to glycerol, the use of [BMIM]Cl leads to less hygroscopicity, a more efficient plasticization of both starch and zein phases and a compatibilization of starch/zein blends.
ISSN:0144-8617
1879-1344
DOI:10.1016/j.carbpol.2012.04.044