PRODUÇÃO E CARACTERIZAÇÃO DE FILMES BIODEGRADÁVEIS DE AMIDO DE BATATA-DOCE COM DIFERENTES CONCENTRAÇÕES DE NANOPARTÍCULAS DE ÓXIDO DE ZINCO

Abstract

Starch shows excellent properties compared to other biodegradable materials, it is cheap, abundant and has the ability of film formation, the use of nanoparticles offers excellent reinforcing effect, and can improve the barrier, mechanical, thermal and physical properties of starch films. Recently, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles have received increasing interest due to their easy synthesis, non-toxicity, good UV protection and antibacterial functions. In view of this, we aimed to evaluate the potential use of sweet potato starch in film production and the effect of incorporating ZnO nanoparticles on the physicochemical properties of the produced films plasticized with glycerol. Four samples were used being a control (only starch and glycerol) and other three treatments varying the nanoparticles concentration. It was possible to achieve satisfactory results using sweet potato starch as filmogenic matrix, the addition of ZnO nanoparticles decreased the water content of the starch films, there was an increase in thickness as the concentration of ZnO nanoparticles increased. The opacity to visible light was increased and the mechanical properties were also influenced by the incorporation of ZnO nanoparticles, increasing the flexibility of the films. From the results observed in this work it is concluded that zinc oxide nanoparticles at the concentrations studied positively modified physical, chemical and mechanical properties of sweet potato starch film.