Composites starch-based

Garcia, M. A., Martino, M. N. Zaritzky, N. E. (2001). Composite starch-based coatings applied to strawberries (Fragaria ananassa). Nahrung/Food, 45(4), 267-272. 

An edible film should have good water vapor barrier properties (low or no water permeation and diffusion through film), which should not increase or increase very little with increasing relative vapor pressure (Lawton, 1996). Films should withstand mechanical stress and strain to such an extent that they do not break easily under a decent mechanical force (Talja et al, 2008). Thus, composition of starch-based films is an important factor influencing its barrier and mechanical properties. Also, starch-based edible films may have an impact on the sensory and textural characteristics of the food. 

Silva et al. (2006) studied starch-based microparticles as a novel strategy for tissue engineering applications. They developed starch-based microparticles, and evaluated them for bioactivity, cytotoxicity, ability to serve as substrates for cell adhesion, as well as their potential to be used as delivery systems either for anti-inflammatory agents or growth factors. Two starch-based materials were used for the development of starch-based particulate systems (1) a blend of starch and polylactic acid (SPLA) (50 50 w/w) and (2) a chemically modifled potato starch, Paselli II (Pa). Both materials enabled the synthesis of particulate systems, both polymer and composite (with BG 45S5). A simple solvent extraction method was employed for the synthesis of SPLA and SPLA/BG microparticles, while for Pa and Pa/BG... 

Marques, A. R., Reis, R. L., Hunt, J. A. (2001). In vitro evaluation of the biocompatibility of novel starch based polymeric and composite material. Biomaterials., 21,1471-1478. 

Sousa, R. A., Mano, J. F., Reis, R. L., Cunha, A. M., Bevis, M. J. (2002). Mechanical performance of starch based bioactive composite biomaterials molded with preferred orientation for potential medical applications. Polym. Eng. Sci.,42(5), 1032-1045. 

A particular mention goes to Mater-Bi, produced by Novamont, who have revolutionised starch-based biomaterials for two decades. The commercial success of this biodegradable and biocompostable plastic relies on two main factors the scale economy that allows the reduction of costs, and the diversity of formulations to develop different end products (plastic bags, tableware, toys, etc.). More than 210 references in Chemical Abstracts are available on this (registered) keyword, and the number of patents related to different formulations and developments is also impressive. Mater-Bi can be essentially described as a blend of starch with a small amount of other biodegradable polymers and additives. The actual compositions are still known only by a very few people. 

All the above examples clearly demonstrate that the physical properties of starch-based materials are related to the molecular structure and the state of starch. Undoubtedly, there is a need for more work in the area of structure-property relationships of starches in model systems and in composite matrices of real products. Such studies would be useful in optimizing product formulation and in refinement of processing conditions to improve end-product characteristics and increase shelf life. 

These discoveries provided the technology base for commercialization efforts of starch-based plastics by the Novon division of the Warner-Lambert Company.157,158 The thermoplastic compositions were based on blends of destructurized starch and various hydrophilic polymers, such as ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers (EVOH). Hydrophobic polymers and additives, such as plasticizers and lubricants, could also... 

L. Averous, O. Martin and L. Moro, Plasticized Wheat Starch-based Biodegradable Blends and Composites, 6th 1SBP and 9th BEPS, Honolulu-Hawaii (USA), 12-16 December 2000. 

U.S. Pat. No. 6,479,164 [128] discloses an extrudable or moldable biodegradable composite material comprising cellulosic fiber such as wood, wood chips, or cotton, and the starch-based biodegradable binder matrix. 

M. Maiti, "Development and evaluation of corn-starch based biodegradable composites using Saccharum spontaneum L graft copolymers as reinforcing materials", Ph.D. Thesis, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar, Punjab, 2010. 

Plasticized starch-based composites have also been the subject of an abnndant body of literature, particularly during the last decade, continuing on from the development of composites based on natural fibers. 

Li, Q., Zhou, J.P., Zhang, L.N. J. Polym. Sci.Part B Starch-based composites reinforced with novel chitin nanoparticles. Polym. Phys. 47, 1069-1077 (2009)... 

Fibers have been widely used in polymeric composites to improve mechanical properties. Cellulose is the major substance obtained from vegetable fibers, and applications for cellulose fiber-reinforced polymers have again come to the forefront with the focus on renewable raw materials. Hydrophilic cellulose fibers are very compatible with most natural polymers. The reinforcement of starch with ceUulose fibers is a perfect example of a polymer from renewable recourses (PFRR). The reinforcement of polymers using rigid fillers is another common method in the production and processing of polymeric composites. The interest in new nanoscale fillers has rapidly grown in the last two decades, since it was discovered that a nanostructure could be built from a polymer and layered nanoclay. This new nanocomposite showed dramatic improvement in mechanical properties with low filler content. Various starch-based nano-composites have been developed. 

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