Nanocomposite-forming solutions based on cassava starch and laponite: Viscoelastic and rheological characterization

Nanocomposites-forming solutions (NFS) based on cassava starch and laponite were prepared and next characterized by means of dynamic oscillatory and steady shear rheological tests to evaluate their ability to be processed by knife coating. The effects of speed (rpm) and homogenization time on the laponite dispersion characteristics were first analyzed. Laponite dispersions were affected by both process parameters. High speed (rpm), i.e. 20,000 or 23,000 rpm for 30 min or prolonged homogenization time (10,000 rpm ⩽ speed agitation ⩽ 23,000 rpm, for 60 min) led to high ζ-potential values, with laponite particles size <80 nm. With addition of laponite nanoparticles to cassava starch dispersion, an evident transition in NFS from liquid-like viscous to solid-like elastic behavior was observed. Rheological results indicated that laponite nanoparticles induced new interactions with starch chains allowing to obtain a network structure typical of a semi-rigid gel which shows some spread ability.