Effect of starch nanocrystals addition on the physicochemical, thermal, and optical properties of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films

Abstract

The aim of this study is to add rice and potato starch nanocrystals (SNCs) to a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) matrix to reinforce its structure, improve its characteristics, and broaden its applicability. The SNCs were produced by acid hydrolysis and applied to the LDPE matrix by extrusion at a concentration of 0.5% and 1%. The films were characterized in terms of physical-chemical, thermal, and structural properties. The addition of 1% SNCs produced from rice starch reduced the oxygen permeability to 1.57 x 10(-4) (ml mm/MPa/min/cm(2)) and increased the thermal stability of the films. The addition of potato starch SNCs in a 1% proportion increased the crystallinity of the films to 81.6%. Therefore, the incorporation of starch SNCs in the LDPE matrix showed adequate compatibility and the ability to improve the properties of the films. The mixture of LDPE with biodegradable polymers can be an alternative that can contribute to the increase in the rate of biodegradability.