Preparation of ecofriendly UV-protective food packaging material by starch/TiO₂ bio-nanocomposite: Characterization

In this study, ecofriendly starch/TiO₂ bio-nanocomposites were produced using with different nano-TiO₂ (TiO₂) content (1, 3, and 5 (wt%)). Physical, mechanical, thermal, water-vapor permeability (WVP) properties and UV transmittance were investigated. Our results showed that the increasing TiO₂ content increased the hydrophobicity of starch/TiO₂ films. WVP of the bio-nanocomposites was reduced, simultaneously. With increasing TiO₂ content, tensile strength and Young's modulus of the film specimens were reduced while elongation at break and tensile energy to break were increased. The thermal properties of specimens showed that glass transition temperature of the films increased but melting point of the specimen films was decreased by increasing TiO₂ content. Scanning electron microscopy observations demonstrated, the most of films' physical properties were in relation to their microstructures. The starch/TiO₂ nanocomposites effectively protect goods against UV light, and could potentially be applied as UV-shielding packaging materials.