Maleated cassava starch/poly (vinyl alcohol)/clay nanocomposite films for banana preservation: Physical properties and application

Abstract

Maleated cassava starch (MCS)/poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/ kaolin clay (KC) nanocomposite films with high mechanical and barrier properties were prepared by casting film. Based on the MCS /PVA matrix, the effects of KC content on the MCS /PVA/KC nanocomposite films were investigated. X-ray diffraction results demonstrated that the MCS/PVA/KC nanocomposite films exhibited KC good dispersion in the polymer matrix. FTIR spectra showed that the molecular interactions in the MCS/PVA/KC films with higher PVA content enhanced. The maximum tensile strength and elongation at break for the MCS/PVA/KC composite films were 18 MPa and 330%, respectively. The MCS/PVA/KC composite was applied to extend the shelf-life of the banana and results showed that the good shelf-life of the banana was accepted. The MCS/PVA/KC composite film is a promising material for high-barrier food packaging.