Characteristics of vermiculite-reinforced thermoplastic starch composite films

The thermoplastic starch–vermiculite (VER) composite films were prepared by solution-casting technique in this study. First, the VER was used as the filler reinforcement for thermoplastic starch to enhance its properties. The modification of VER and the structure of films were investigated and characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope technology. Moreover, the Fourier transform infrared spectra confirmed that the VER particles formed strong hydrogen bond interactions with starch matrix. According to TGA, differential scanning calorimetry study, and water absorption testing, the starch–VER composite films exhibited better improvement properties than did the starch matrix. It provides information on the use of VER to reinforce the properties of starch-based materials. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012