Characterization of edible corn starch nanocomposite films: The effect of self‐assembled starch nanoparticles

Abstract

Corn starch nanocomposite films with varying concentrations (0–25%) of starch nanoparticles (SNPs) were obtained with the solution casting method. The scanning electron microscopy images, crystalline characteristics, transparency, water vapor permeability, mechanical properties, and thermal behavior of the nanocomposite films were evaluated. The results showed that when incorporated SNPs from 0 to 15% in the films, the water vapor permeability decreased from 5.89 × 10−12to 3.08 × 10−12 g/m s Pa, and the tensile strength significantly improved from 1.40 to 2.35MPs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the film surfaces were rougher than those of the pure starch films. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that the thermal stability of the nanocomposite films increased. A slight change in the crystalline structure of the nanocomposite films was observed in the X‐ray diffraction (XRD) pattern, due to the SNPs. Our research suggested that SNPs have a favorable effect on the properties of corn starch films, which would helpful in applications as biodegradable packaging material.