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The Plasticizing Effect of Choline Dihydrogencitrate on Starch-Based Films
Dorota Skowrońska1, Katarzyna Wilpiszewska1
1Department of Chemical Organic Technology and Polymeric Materials, Faculty of Chemical Technology and Engineering, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Pułaskiego 10, 70-322 Szczecin, Poland.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 13, 2026
Summary
Choline dihydrogencitrate salt (CCT) effectively plasticizes starch films, enhancing flexibility and reducing moisture sensitivity. This makes CCT a promising, less moisture-sensitive plasticizer for packaging applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Food Science
Background:
- Starch-based films are biodegradable but often suffer from poor mechanical properties and high moisture sensitivity.
- Traditional plasticizers can have environmental or health concerns.
- Developing novel, efficient plasticizers is crucial for advancing starch-based materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate choline dihydrogencitrate salt (CCT) as a sole plasticizer for starch-based films.
- To evaluate the impact of varying CCT content on the physicochemical properties of starch films.
- To assess the potential of CCT-plasticized starch films for packaging applications.
Main Methods:
- Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to analyze structural changes.
- Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and mechanical testing to evaluate plasticization effects.
- Assessment of film transparency and moisture absorption characteristics.
Main Results:
- Choline dihydrogencitrate salt (CCT) disrupted the crystalline structure of potato starch.
- CCT acted as a primary plasticizer, significantly increasing film flexibility.
- Optimal CCT content for transparency and mechanical properties was determined to be 25 wt.%.
- Starch films plasticized with CCT showed reduced moisture absorption compared to those with common plasticizers.
Conclusions:
- Choline dihydrogencitrate salt (CCT) is an effective plasticizer for starch-based materials.
- CCT improves the flexibility and reduces moisture sensitivity of starch films.
- CCT-plasticized starch films offer a promising alternative for less moisture-sensitive packaging.
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