Influence of Air Humidity Level on the Structure and Mechanical Properties of Thermoplastic Starch-Montmorillonite Nanocomposite during Storage

Thermoplastic starch (TPS) consisting of corn starch and glycerol as a plasticizer, and TPS-montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposite were stored at room temperature in the air with relative humidities (RH) of 11, 55 and 85% for seven weeks. Mechanical testing and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) were performed to detect changes in their mechanical properties. Solid-state NMR spectroscopy monitoring the changes in molecular mobility in the samples provided an insight into relations between mechanical properties and local structure. The results of mechanical testing indicated that the addition of MMT results in the increase in the tensile strength and Young's modulus while elongation at break decreased, indicating the reinforcing effect of MMT. DMTA experiments revealed a decrease in glass transition temperature of starch-rich phase below room temperature for samples stored at higher RH (55 and 85%). This indicates that absorbed water molecules had additional plasticizing effect on starch resulting in higher mobility of starch chain segments. Recrystallization in these samples was deduced from the shape of cross-polarization magic-angle spinning C-13 NMR spectra. The shape of broad-line H-1 NMR spectra reflected changes in molecular mobility in the studied samples during seven weeks of storage and revealed that a high amount of water molecules impacts the starch intermolecular hydrogen bond density.

Automated summary

The mechanical properties and molecular mobility of thermoplastic starch and TPS-montmorillonite nanocomposite stored at different relative humidities were studied using mechanical testing, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, and solid-state NMR spectroscopy. The addition of montmorillonite particles increased the tensile strength and Young's modulus, while decreasing the elongation at break. Higher humidity resulted in increased mobility of starch chain segments and a decrease in glass transition temperature, indicating the plasticizing effect of absorbed water molecules. Recrystallization was observed in the samples through NMR spectra analysis.