Starch and nanoparticle

Abstract

Nanotechnology and renewable bio-based materials are driving forces for the development of new materials that combine innovative properties and sustainability. Starch is an abundant, natural, renewable, and biodegradable polymer produced by many plants as a source of stored energy. Because of the multiscale structure of starch granules consisting of alternating crystalline and amorphous concentric layers, the controlled acid hydrolysis treatment of native starch disrupts this organization and releases crystalline platelet-like particles with nanoscale dimensions. This chapter intends to provide a comprehensive overview of their preparation, characterization, properties, and applications. The preparation and morphology of starch nanocrystals are exposed as well as strategies intended to improve the existing current methods. The properties of ensuing aqueous suspensions and reported surface chemical modifications are also presented. The preparation of polymer nanocomposites reinforced with starch nanocrystals and their properties is then reviewed.