Biodegradable Starch Nanocomposites

Abstract

Biodegradable thermoplastic materials offer great potential to be used in food packaging or biomedical industry. In this chapter we will present a review of the research done on starch and starch nanocomposites. In the case of nanocomposites based on starch, special attention will be given to the influence of starch nanoparticles, cellulose whiskers, zinc oxide nanorods, antioxidants, and antimicrobial inclusion on the physicochemical properties of the materials. The discussion will be focused on structural, mechanical, and barrel properties as well as ondegradation, antibacterial and antioxidant activities. Finally, we will discuss our perspectives on how future research should be oriented to contribute in the substitution of synthetic materials with new econanocomposites.