Biocomposite Films Reinforced With Nano Navy Bean Starch: Application and Characterization

In this study, enzymatically ultrasonicated starch biocomposite film (E-USCF) was produced by reinforcing enzymatically ultrasonicated starch nanoparticles (E-US) with native navy bean starch (NS) in different concentrations (0.5%, 1%, 2%, 5%, and 10%). After that, they were characterized in terms of physicochemical, mechanical, and thermal properties and compared to native starch biocomposite films (NSCF). The E-USCF samples showed high solubility, pH, breaking strength, and thickness by increasing the concentration of E-US samples while reducing the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), moisture content, swelling characteristics, and transparency. Moreover, the biodegradability rate reached 87% within 8 days by elevation of E-US up to 10%. As a consequence, thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) confirmed the same results, as E-USCF 10% had an ash residual of 19.88% compared to the NSCF sample at 23.95%. Furthermore, lowering tensile stress and strain of biocomposite film analyses were confirmed by the elevation of incorporation of E-US up to 10%. In summary, E-US particles acted as a structural reinforcing agent and improved E-USCF's properties.