Starch Nanocrystals with Large Chain Surface Modifications

• Published in: Langmuir 2006-05, Vol.22 (10), p.4804-4810
• Main Authors: Thielemans, Wim, Belgacem, Mohamed Naceur, Dufresne, Alain
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Calorimetry, Differential Scanning; Chemistry; Colloidal state and disperse state; Exact sciences and technology; General and physical chemistry; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; Molecular Structure; Nanoparticles - chemistry; Physical and chemical studies. Granulometry. Electrokinetic phenomena; Polyethylene Glycols - chemistry; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Spectrum Analysis; Starch - chemistry; Stearic Acids - chemistry; X-Ray Diffraction; X-Rays
• ISSN: 0743-7463; 1520-5827
• DOI: 10.1021/la053394m

Nanoscale monocrystalline starch particles were successfully modified using stearic acid chloride and poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether. Surface modification was confirmed using FTIR, XPS spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements. X-ray diffraction and DSC analysis confirmed that there was no alteration of the starch crystalline structure due to the surface modification. The grafts at the starch surface were also found to crystallize on the surface. TEM showed the individualization of nanoparticles as a result of the reduction of polar and hydrogen bonding forces. These results show our ability to modify the starch nanocrystal surface with plasticizing chains. Modified nanoparticles can find applications as compatibilized polymer additives, surface-active particles, and co-continuous nanocomposite precursors.