Thermal, morphological, and mechanical properties of regular and waxy maize starch films reinforced with cellulose nanofibers (CNF)

Biodegradable films were prepared using regular and waxy starch and reinforced with cellulose nanofibers (CNF) from eucalyptus. Both films were characterized by their optical, structural, barrier, thermal and mechanical properties. The films presented a homogeneous, smooth surface without bubbles or cracks and good handling characteristics. Both films showed a mixture of B and V-type diffraction patterns. The water solubility of the samples decreased after the incorporation of nanocellulose. The water vapor permeability for both sources significantly reduced after incorporating nanocellulose at 0.5% and 1%. It is possible to observe that the addition of CNF increased the thermal stability of the starch films. On the other hand, the incorporation of nanocellulose improved either the mechanical resistance of the starch films. (author)