Fosfatação e ligação cruzada de amido de trigo e suas aplicações em filmes compósitos usando poli(óxido de etileno)

Abstract

The association between natural and synthetic polymers for the formation of biocomposites has been studied. The mixture of starch with poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) for the formation of biocomposites is interesting, since the PEO is biodegradable, has high viscosity and biocompatibility with organic matrices. In addition, PEO has a semicrystalline structure that may influence the properties of the biocomposites. The interaction of the starch with PEO can be influenced by the molecular structure of the starch. The aim of this work was to develop biocomposite films based on native wheat starches, phosphated or crosslinked with the addition of PEO. The wheat starch was modified by phosphating and crosslinking. Starches were evaluated for phosphorus content, amylose content, swelling power, water solubility, thermal properties, past properties, crystallinity and morphology. The films were prepared with native, phosphate or crosslinked starch, and with addition of PEO. The films were evaluated for morphology, water solubility, water vapor permeability (WVP), mechanical properties, color parameters (luminosity and opacity), crystallinity, roughness and hygroscopicity. The phosphate starch, in relation to the other starches, presented higher phosphorus content, amylose content, swelling power and water solubility. The films, regardless of the type of starch, with the addition of PEO when compared to the starch films without PEO presented discontinuous morphology, were more crystalline and rough and less hydrophilic. The biocomposite films presented characteristics for possible use in flexible packages.