Biodegradable starch/clay nanocomposite films for food packaging applications

Novel biodegradable starch/clay nanocomposite films, to be used as food packaging, were obtained by homogeneously dispersing montmorillonite nanoparticles in different starch-based materials via polymer melt processing techniques. Structural and mechanical characterizations on the nanocomposite films were performed. The results show, in the case of starch/clay material, a good intercalation of the polymeric phase into clay interlayer galleries, together with an increase of mechanical parameters, such as modulus and tensile strength. Finally the conformity of our samples with actual regulations and European directives on biodegradable materials was verified by migration tests and by putting the films into contact with vegetables and simulants.