Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
818434 | Composites Part B: Engineering | 2013 | 9 Pages |
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.