The plasticizing mechanism and effect of calcium chloride on starch/poly(vinyl alcohol) films

► CaCl2 could form strong interaction with starch and PVA molecules. ► The miscibility of starch and PVA was improved with the addition of CaCl2. ► CaCl2 could destroy the crystals of starch/PVA film. ► Tg and the thermal stability of starch/PVA film decreased. ► CaCl2 could effectively improve the mechanical property of starch/PVA film.