Preparation and characterization of bio-nanocomposite films based on cassava starch or chitosan, reinforced with montmorillonite or bamboo nanofibers

• Published in: International journal of biological macromolecules 2018-02, Vol.107 (Pt A), p.371-382
• Main Authors: Llanos, Jaiber H.R., Tadini, Carmen C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bentonite - chemistry; Cellulose - chemistry; Chitosan - chemical synthesis; Chitosan - chemistry; Crystallinity; Food Packaging; Manihot - chemistry; Mechanical properties; Morphology; Nanocomposites - chemistry; Nanofibers - chemistry; Sasa - chemistry; Starch - chemical synthesis; Starch - chemistry; Tensile Strength
• ISSN: 0141-8130; 1879-0003
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.09.001

[Display omitted] •Bio-nanocomposites are produced from chitosan and starch.•Clay nanoparticles and bamboo nanofibers have a good affinity with the polymers.•Nanoparticles improved the different physical properties of bio-nanocomposites.•Bio-nanocomposites have potential use for many applications. In this study, films based on two different polysaccharides (chitosan and cassava starch) were produced by casting technique and nanostructured by montmorillonite (MMTNPs) or bamboo nanofibers (BNFs) at two different concentrations: 0.5g/100g and 1.0g/100g of polymer, using glycerol as plasticizer at concentration of 30g/100g of polymer. The particle size and surface charge of the MMTNPs and BNFs nanoparticles were 315±14nm and 60±3nm and −31.78mV and −20.77mV, respectively. In relation to the mechanical properties, the nanofibers increased the tensile strength in 50% of starch films, while the elongation at break shows a similar increase (66%) for both types of nanoparticles at concentration of 1.0g/100g. Cassava starch films showed a better response to nanostructure process, noticed through by the mechanical properties. XRD analyses showed good interaction between the polymer matrix and bamboo nanofibers.