Bio-nanocomposites based on derivatized potato starch and cellulose, preparation and characterization

The use of native starch as a thermoplastic polymer is limited by its fragility and high moisture absorption. Native potato starch was derivatized using different agents in order to reduce its hydrophobicity. A reduction in starch mechanical properties was also found as a side effect of derivatization treatments. The addition of nanocellulose allows to considerably improve mechanical properties of biopolymers as well as to maintain their inherent biodegradation capability. Cellulose nanofibers were added to native and modified starch in order to improve the mechanical properties. The mechanical properties of starch/cellulose nanocomposite films were evaluated, finding that they considerably improved with the addition of cellulosic nanofibers. This contribution demonstrates a new approach in order to produce bioplastics with combined effect: improved moisture and heat resistance (due to the chemical treatment) and high mechanical properties (after the addition of nanocellulose).