Green nanocomposites based on Thermoplastic Starch (TPS): a review

A problem caused by excessive use of plastics has raised environmental awareness in search of green alternatives to this material. This work aims to review nanocomposites based on thermoplastic starch (TPS) reinforced with nanofillers; among the most relevant ones include natural montmorillonite (MM...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Rivadeneira Velasco, Katherine Elena (author)
Other Authors: Utreras Silva, Christian Alexander (author)
Format: article
Language:eng
Published: 2022
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Online Access:http://repositorio.yachaytech.edu.ec/handle/123456789/472
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Summary:A problem caused by excessive use of plastics has raised environmental awareness in search of green alternatives to this material. This work aims to review nanocomposites based on thermoplastic starch (TPS) reinforced with nanofillers; among the most relevant ones include natural montmorillonite (MMT), organically-modified montmorillonite (OMMT), cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), and cellulose nanofibers (CNF). The analyzed properties of nanocomposites were mechanical, barrier, optical, and degradability. The highlighted results for mechanical properties are the increment of modulus and strength, and the elongation decrease with higher nanofiller content. Besides, the nanofillers boosted hydrophobicity in the nanocomposites. The most affected optical properties are luminosity and transparency because they are reduced when the nanofiller content increases. The biodegradability rate increases with these nanocompounds, as demonstrated by the study of the soil-burial method. Proper compatibility, dispersion and distribution of nanofiller in the matrix are critical factors to overcome the limitations presented, which can expand the applicability of these materials in fields such as packaging.