Effects of high starch content on the physicochemical properties of starch/PBAT nanocomposite films prepared by extrusion blowing.

Starch/PBAT nanocomposite films with high starch content were prepared using one-step compounding and subsequent extrusion blowing. The effects of the starch/PBAT weight proportions on the physicochemical properties of the films were investigated. The X-ray diffraction results demonstrated that the extent of intercalation of the starch/PBAT nanocomposite films increased with the increasing PBAT content. The dynamic mechanical analysis revealed that the compatibility of starch and PBAT improved with increasing PBAT content from 10 wt% to 50 wt%. The strength and flexibility of the films were greatly improved by blending with PBAT. The maximum tensile strength and elongation at break of the starch/PBAT nanocomposite films were 7.4 MPa and 614 %, respectively. The water-vapor barrier properties and hydrophobicity of the films were significantly improved with the increase in the PBAT content. The blown starch/PBAT nanocomposite films incurred low cost and demonstrated excellent mechanical and hydrophobic properties, which are suitable for the food-packaging field.