Microstructure and physical properties of nano-biocomposite films based on cassava starch and laponite

Author(s)

Valencia, German Ayala ; Luciano, Carla Giovana ; Lourenco, Rodrigo Vinicius ; do Amaral Sobral, Paulo Jose

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules; v. 107, p. 8-pg., 2018-02-01.

Abstract

The aim of this research was to study the effects of laponite concentrations on some properties of nano-biocomposite films based on cassava starch, focusing mainly the relation between the properties of the surface microstructure and roughness, water contact angle and gloss. Nano-biocomposite films were produced by casting. We analyzed gloss, color, opacity, water contact angle, crystallinity by X-ray diffraction, and microstructure by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Texture parameters (energy, entropy and fractal dimension) were extracted from micrographs. We observed a great impact of laponite in the morphology of nano-biocomposite films. Texture parameters correlated with surface heterogeneity and roughness. Finally, surface roughness affected the surface hydrophilicity of nano-biocomposite films. Laponite platelets were exfoliated and/or intercalated with amylose and amylopectin chains. This research reports new information on the effects of laponite concentrations on the morphological, optical and wetting properties of nano-biocomposite films aiming future industrial applications. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/24047-3 - Physical properties of films based in biopolymers reinforced with laponite
• Grantee: Germán Ayala Valencia
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 13/07914-8 - FoRC - Food Research Center
• Grantee: Bernadette Dora Gombossy de Melo Franco
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC