Filmes de amido/argila sepiolita e nanopartículas de prata com propriedades de barreiras aprimoradas / Starch/sepiolite clay and silver nanoparticles films with improved barrier properties

Abstract

nanotechnology in recent decades. Composite materials can achieve improved chemical, mechanical, optical, electrical, and magnetic properties when compared to traditional composites. Based on this principle, the present work aims to develop films based on nanostructured starch containing sepiolite clay and silver nanoparticles with enhanced barrier properties, aiming to build an alternative material to biodegradable films that exhibit poor mechanical and barrier properties. The use of silver nanoparticles stands out due to their antimicrobial effect and high dispersion power in the polymeric matrix, synthesized in this research using the synthesis of Ag nanoparticles using sodium citrate as reducing agent, in different proportions. Films produced using the casting method were subjected to several characterization techniques. From the UV-visible spectroscopy analysis it was verified whether the method of synthesis of silver nanoparticles was adequate; infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis indicated a good interaction of silver particles with starch in the OH functional group; polarized light in optical microscopy (MOLP) indicated a lower degree of crystallinity in the starch/sorbitol sample compared to samples containing clay in its composition; while with the water solubility test was evaluated the contribution of silver nanoparticles in decreasing the final solubility of the films.