Work

Rheological, Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Blown Film Based on Starch and Clay Nanocomposites

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Growing concern about the environmental impact of conventional plastics has driven the need to roll out biodegradable plastic materials. In this context, natural polymers, such as starch, emerge as sustainable alternatives. The commercial Montmorillonite implemented as a nanomaterial of reference, allows you to improve the properties of biodegradable materials. In this study, commercial Cassava foil was used, laminated with water and glycerol 35%, and reinforced with commercial clay at 2% and 4% for film retention. The manufacturing process included the extrusion technique, which allowed to evaluate the effectiveness of the reference to improve the mechanical and functional characteristics of the produced films. If three films were rolled starting from the commercial yuca medium, the optimal concentration of different glycerol concentrations for the process was deter-mined, evaluating their thermal and theoretical properties. These films were subjected to exhaustive analysis using international normalized techniques, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential barrio calorimetry (DSC) and infrared spectroscopy with Fourier transform (FTIR) and morphological analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The aspects evaluated include water vapor permeability (WVTR). The results showed that a higher content of arc in the films favored moisture retention, which, more often than not, increased the barrier properties. According to the results obtained from the mechanical tests, the film with higher arc concentration F-g35-NC4 obtained tensile strength values of 0.23 ± 0.02 MPa and a 66.90 ± 4.85% deformation between those F-g35-NC0 and F-g35-NC2 will obtain lower values than the properties evaluated. Furthermore, it was observed in the determination of the contact and angle with values 89.93° ± 8.78 of 0.740 kg ± 0.009 kg. Finally, I obtained a film with a water vapor barrier of 0.003 g/m2.day ± 0.011, which allows me to project applications in the packaging sector.

Source: Processes

DOI: 10.3390/pr14020276

Authors: Heidy Tatiana Criollo Guevara, Lis Vanesa Ocoró Caicedo, Jhon Jairo Rios Acevedo, Marcelo Alexander Guancha Chalapud, Carolina Caicedo

Institution: Central University of Valle del Cauca

Language: English

Topic: Nanocomposite Films for Food Packaging

Subfield: Biomaterials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896