Starch Based Biodegradable Nanocomposites: Structure and Properties

Plasticized starch (PS)/montmorillonite clay (MMT) nanocomposites were prepared by casting technique. Structural features, stress-strain characteristics and sorption properties were investigated. Upon introduction of rather small amounts of MMT, the PS parameters of the mechanical and barrier properties considerably improve. Tensile strength and elastic modulus of the materials examined decrease with increased moisture content, but the effect of reinforcement of PS with MMT nanoparticles remain intact