Effect of Coconut Oil on the Properties of Thermoplastic Starch/Montmorillonite Nanoclay Bionanocomposite

Abstract

This study aimed to develop cassava thermoplastic starch (TPS) biopolymers and polymer bionanocomposites with varying concentrations of montmorillonite (MMT) nanoclay and coconut oil (CO) by extrusion. X-ray diffraction indicated intercalated and partially exfoliated structure of nanoclay lamellae in the TPS, forming a polymer bionanocomposite. Colorimetric analyses showed that the color of the materials changed with variations in MMT and CO concentrations. The water absorption test revealed synergism between MMT and CO in reducing the hydrophilic character of the polymer bionanocomposite. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed heterogeneities in the fracture surface morphologies of the biopolymer with CO droplets, absent in the TPS/MMT bionanocomposite. MMT addition destroyed CO droplets, favoring rougher and more uniform surfaces. Mechanical behavior under tensile test showed that MMT and CO improved these properties. TPS/MMT/CO bionanocomposites produced with sustainable materials showed potential for application in the production of films for packaging perishable fruits, such as strawberries, where the effect of reducing senescence and increasing the shelf life of the fruit was observed.

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