Abstract
Packaging materials based on biodegradable polymers are a viable alternative to replace conventional plastic packaging from fossil origin. The type of plasticizer used in these materials affects their functionality and performance. The effect of different plasticizers such as glycerol (GLY), sorbitol (SOR), and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) in concentrations of 5%, 10%, and 15% (w/w) on the structural features and functional properties of starch/PVOH/chitosan films was evaluated. The incorporation of a plasticizer increased the thickness of the biodegradable composite films. Furthermore, the material plasticized with 30% (w/w) sorbitol had the highest elongation at break, lowest water vapor permeability, and better thermal resistance. The results obtained in this study suggest that maize starch/PVOH/chitosan biodegradable composite films are a promising packaging material, and that sorbitol is the most suitable plasticizer for this formulation.
Highlights
Packaging materials are an essential part of food processing and play an important role in the food industry; the development and use of new alternatives have increased
The thicknesses of the glycerol-plasticized composite films ranged from 60 ± 6 μm (GLY15) to 111 ± 3 μm (GLY45), while those of the poly(ethylene glycol)-plasticized films ranged from 76 ± 7 μm (PEG15) to 98 ± 3 μm (PEG45)
This study made it possible to obtain biodegradable films via the casting technique using a formulation with three biopolymers, corn starch, polyvinyl alcohol, and chitosan
Summary
Packaging materials are an essential part of food processing and play an important role in the food industry; the development and use of new alternatives have increased. Starch is a natural polymer widely used to create packaging materials because it can be obtained in high quantities and from various plant sources; it has much lower functional, mechanical, and barrier properties than synthetic polymers. Because edible films must have characteristics such as flexibility, elasticity, and high mechanical resistance to allow their handling and maintain their physical integrity during their application, the use of plasticizing substances that improve or provide these properties is necessary. To obtain biodegradable packaging with mechanical performance similar to that of synthetic packaging, it is necessary to add a plasticizer that can provide the required mechanical resistance, and that does not affect its barrier capacity. The effect of plasticizer concentration (15%, 30%, and 45% (w/w)) on the WVP, morphology, and thermal and mechanical properties of composite films based on maize starch/poly(vinyl alcohol)/chitosan was evaluated
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