Biodegradable composite films based on cassava starch and soy protein

Abstract

Films from biopolymers (polysaccharides, proteins) are an alternative to the use of petrochemical derivatives, with possible formation of continuous matrices. Upon optimizing parameters such as pH and type of plasticizer, one may obtain materials with improved properties. In this study, cassava starch films produced by casting were evaluated concerning soybean protein extract (SPE) content, glycerol and varied pH conditions. Upon increasing the concentration of SPE, the films became darker, more soluble and the pH increased. The higher plasticizer content and the lower pH increased the water vapor permeability (WVP). The lowest WVP (0.057 mm g-1 h-m 2 kPa-1) was obtained at the maximum content of SPE (47%) and 13% glycerol at pH 12. The puncture force ranged from 0.08 to 2.78 N and the highest values were obtained with intermediate level of SPE and glycerol (30%) at neutral pH. The highest puncture deformation value (31.9%) occurred at the lowest SPW content (13%) and highest glycerol content (47%). Considering as the desirable factors: low WVP, low solubility and good mechanical strength, one concludes that the films produced from cassava starch with 15.2% of EPS, 29.2% of glycerol at pH 6.1 exhibited the best performance.