Maleated cassava starch/poly (vinyl alcohol)/clay nanocomposite films for banana preservation: physical properties and application

Maleated cassava starch (MCS)/poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/kaolin clay (KC) nanocomposite films with high mechanical and barrier properties were prepared by a simple casting film. Based on the MCS/PVA matrix, the effects of KC content on the MCS/PVA/KC nanocomposite films were investigated. SEM results demonstrated that the MCS/PVA/KC nanocomposite films exhibited KC good dispersion in the polymer matrix. FTIR spectra showed that the molecular interactions in the MCS/PVA/KC films with higher PVA content enhanced. The maximum tensile strength and elongation at break for the MCS/PVA/KC at 6 and 5% KC composite films were 16 MPa and 530%, respectively. The MCS/PVA/KC composite was applied to extend the shelf life of the banana, and results showed that the good shelf life of the banana was accepted. The MCS/PVA/KC composite film is a promising material for high-barrier food packaging.