Influence of natural fillers on the properties of starch-based biocomposite films

Starch microparticles (SMs) were prepared by delivering ethanol into starch solution. Chemically modified starch microparticles (CMSs) by reaction with malic acid were obtained and incorporated within glycerol plasticized-corn starch (GCS) matrix, composites being further prepared by the casting process. Three natural fillers (NFs) – keratin, lignin, and spruce cellulose – were incorporated within the CMS–GCS matrix. The surface properties and water sorption, as well as mechanical and thermal properties of chemically modified starch/plasticized starch/natural filler (CMS/S/NF) films were investigated. The water resistance and thermal stability were improved through addition of NF. Higher tensile strength and lower elongation capacity were also observed.