Plasticization effect of triacetin on structure and properties of starch ester film

► New interaction between triacetin and starch ester enhanced CO in alcoxyl group. ► Increased mobility of macromolecules facilitated crystallite formation. ► Increased triacetin enlarged amorphous region with less effect on crystalline part. ► The thermal stability of triacetin and film matrix was influenced discriminately. ► Crystallite restricted the mobility of macromolecules in different scale and regions.