Cellulose additive for cassava starch packaging: physical properties

This research intended to improve the hydrophilic behavior of starch-based films in food packaging by using surface coating with maleated epoxidized natural rubber (MENR) and then mechanically reinforced film through compositing with cellulose additive addition. The biocomposite was created from cellulose fiber (CF) and cassava starch (CS) by using carboxyl styrene butadiene as a crosslinker with green route. The MENR was employed for improving hydrophobic behavior for CS composites by using immersion method. Results showed that no delamination and a continuous covering of latex onto the both sides of MENR coated composites observed by SEM was found. The thickness of these films increased with increasing MENR coating time. The ester groups occurrence indicated new peaks occurring due to a reaction during melt blending between starch and MENR by using FTIR. Moreover, the high-water resistance was helped by coating with the MENR. The swelling ratio in water, moisture content and moisture absorption were decreased with increasing number of coating cycle. The elongation at break of this sample increased with increasing the coating cycles. The cured CS/CF blend was used polymer matrix for encapsulated essential oil. The EO release was significantly decreased owing to coating relative to the uncoating control which rapidly release rate. The CS composite exhibited a good polymer matrix which was decomposed in natural soil after utilization.