Physical properties of edible modified starch/carboxymethyl cellulose films

Novel modified starch/carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) composite films were prepared by a casting method. The effects of CMC addition on the some physical properties of the resulted blend films were investigated. The blend film composed of 15% W/W CMC /starch, showed the lowest water vapor permeability (WVP) value (2.34 x 10(-7) g/m.h.Pa). The moisture absorption and solubility in water properties of the blend films exhibited similar trends. The addition of CMC at the level of 20% W/W starch caused an increase in the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) by more than 59% in comparison to the pure starch film without any significant decrease in the strain to break (SB). The measurement of color values showed that by the increasing of the CMC content in polymer matrix, the b values (yellowness), YI and Delta E of the blend films decreased and the L values (Lightness) and WI index increased. Industrial relevance: Ecological concerns have resulted in a renewed interest in natural and compostable materials, and therefore issues such as biodegradability and environmental safety are becoming important. Tailoring new products within a perspective of sustainable development or eco-design, is a philosophy that is applied to more and more materials. It is the reason why material components such as natural fibres, biodegradable polymers can be considered as interesting - environmentally safe - alternatives for the development of new biodegradable composites. Development of biodegradable materials based on starch has become a very attractive option and production of starch based plastic are gradually obtained considerable concern in the world. In this research, improvement of starch film properties is investigated. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.