Cassava starch–kaolinite composite film. Effect of clay content and clay modification on film properties

The influence of kaolinite content within a plasticized starch matrix on the glass transition and decomposition temperatures, water uptake, transparency and UV–vis blocking is reported. Exfoliation of the kaolinite clay within the composite is enhanced when previously intercalated with DMSO. The DMSO-intercalated kaolinite brings in advantages for the clay dispersion within the polymer matrix, the transparency and the water uptake. The transparency of the films is better preserved when DMSO intercalated kaolinite is used and a clay load between 2% and 6%, leads to a significant reduction of the UV light transmission.

► Cassava starch composite film.
► Raw kaolinite and DMSO intercalated kaolinite as filler.
► Dispersion, exfoliation and distribution of the clay filler.
► Consequence on the glass transition and the decomposition temperatures of the starch matrix.
► Effect on the water uptake and the UV–vis blocking.