Analysis of Water Barrier, Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Nanocoposites Based on Cassava Starch and Natural Clay or Modified by Anionic Exchange

Biopolymer films have several industrial applications because they are environmentally sustainable. Cassava starch is a biopolymer that is easily available, but has limitations: it is hydrophilic, poorly resistant and degradable. The improvement of these properties was proposed in this research from the use of bentonite clay (BT) as a filling material. The compatibilization of this in the polymer matrix was obtained by ion exchange with an organic anionic surfactant. The formation of intercalated or exfoliated starch nanocomposites in the presence of natural or modified clay was characterized by XRD, FTIR, AFM and SEM. The improvement of water vapor, thermal and mechanical properties was investigated by WVP, solubility, TGA and tensile test. The starch nanocomposites in the presence of modified clay showed a better result than those of natural clay. There was no significant difference in the color of the starch film in the presence of the natural or modified clay.