Processing and characterization of thermoplastic corn starch‐based film/paper composites containing microcrystalline cellulose

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Different thermoplastic starch (TPS) films were prepared with or without the addition of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) obtained via the melt-extrusion method, and then the hot-press method was used to produce environmentally friendly TPS-based film/paper composites to replace petroleum-based materials. RESULTS:The paper-plastic composites exhibited good interfacial adhesion from the scannign elctron microscopy images. It was seen that 5 wt.% MCC was added to reinforce the mechanical properties of TPS films, such that it also improved the barrier properties of MCC@TPS/paper composites and extended the path of water vapor through TPS films, which decreased the water vapor transmission rate of MCC@TPS/paper composites. TPS/paper composites and MCC@TPS/paper composites have better physical properties (i.e. smoothness, flexibility and folding resistance) than only paper. In particular, it was found that the water contact angle of MCC@TPS/paper composites and TPS/paper composites were higher than single-layer paper. Furthermore, MCC reinforced paper-plastic composites demonstrated good barrier properties which can meet the requirement of the need for lower water sensitive materials in the food packaging industry. CONCLUSION: Thermoplastic corn starch-based film/paper composites have good application properties as a potential source of bioplastic materials.

The Effect of Lotus Root Starch Content on the Water Barrier Properties and Biodegradability of Cassava Bioplastic Films

“…There was a study that showed a reduction of water vapor permeability with the addition of bentonite clay in the cassava starch films [19]. The similar results of WVP also reported in the study of the addition micro crystalline cellulose in the thermoplastic starch films [20].…”

Functional properties and formation mechanisms of dialdehyde polysaccharides crosslinked gliadin‐films enforced by alkaline condition

“…The earlier‐mentioned forces jointly improved the water‐resistant, mechanical barrier properties, and thermal stability of gliadin‐films. DPs and related DP‐derived Schiff bases further improved the antibacterial properties of the films 40‐43 . More importantly, DAD had the best performance in improving the functional properties of gliadin‐films and will be a potential crosslinker in protein‐based materials.…”

“…DPs and related DP-derived Schiff bases further improved the antibacterial properties of the films. [40][41][42][43] More importantly, DAD had the best performance in improving the functional properties of gliadin-films and will be a potential crosslinker in protein-based materials.…”