Cassava Starch–Kaolinite Composite Films. Thermal and Mechanical Properties Related to Filler–Matrix Interactions
Résumé
The thermal and mechanical properties of cassava starch films are analyzed in relation to the starch–kaolinite interactions. The kaolinite filler induces a lowering of the crystallinity in accordance with an increase plasticization of the starch matrix. The increase of plasticization induces a decrease of the elastic modulus and an increase of the elongation at break. A retardant effect to the starch matrix decomposition is observed. The filler–matrix interface at which the plasticizer infiltration is enhanced and the reduction of starch chain–chain interactions appears as keys of the observed properties changes.