Nanocomposite Films from Mango Kernel or Corn Starch with Starch Nanocrystals

Mango kernels are used for the first time as a source of both starch and starch nanocrystals (SNC) for bionanocomposite films. The starch yield was 38.5%, whereas the SNC yield (from starch) is more than 30%. Bionanocomposite films are produced from mango kernel starch (MKS) and 0-10 wt% SNC, and the corresponding films are also obtained from commercial corn starch. The addition of 5% SNC to MKS films increases their tensile strength and modulus in about 90% and 120% respectively, and reduces their water vapor permeability in about 15%. On the other hand, the film elongation has been reduced to half the one for the unfilled film, and the opacity has been increased. When compared to the corresponding corn starch films, mango kernel starch films exhibited higher overall tensile strength and elastic modulus, as well as increased opacity.