Preparation and Properties of Glycerol Plasticized Starch/ Sepiolites Composites

Abstract

Two sepiolites (SEPs) were respectively used as the fillers in glycerol plasticized-cassava starch (GPS) matrix by the casting process. Scanning electron microscopy proved that SEPs were dispersed well in the GPS matrix. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated that silanol groups at the external surface of SEPs could form the interaction with C-O-H and C-O-C groups in starch molecules. The introduction of SEPs improved the tensile strength, thermal stability, the pasting viscosity and restrained water vapor permeability, but reduced the elongation at break of the composites. SEP-fiber imparted the composites better properties than SEP-velvet, except for the resistance of moisture adsorption. SEP-velvet could decrease the water contents at the equilibrium of the composites.