Graphene-reinforced potato starch composite films: Improvement of mechanical, barrier and electrical properties

In this study, PSG composite films were prepared by casting method by adding graphene (G) to glycerol plasticized potato starch (PS) films. The structure and properties of the composite films were investigated attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR), X-ray analysis (XRD), and swelling capacity, total soluble matter, transparency, tensile strength, and electrical conductivity. When the G content of PSG composite films increased from 0% to 1%, tensile strength increased from 1.035 MPa to 1.681 MPa, but decreased to 1.175 MPa in composite films containing 2% G. It also increased electrical conductivity when the G concentration increased. Also, the G layers are among the PS films and their swelling and solubility properties are reduced. With increased G concentration, the light transmittance decreased and the films were more opaque. These improvements can refer to the interface interaction between PS and G.

Automated summary

Adding graphene to glycerol plasticized potato starch films improved tensile strength and electrical conductivity, but decreased light transmittance and increased opacity of the films. The interface interaction between graphene and potato starch films may be the reason for these improvements.