Development of biodegradable films based on durian seed starch

Abstract

Fresh durian seed consists largely of starch and can be considered such a suitable raw material for producing biodegradable films. The aim of this work was to develop biodegradable films based on durian seed starch (DSS) and to characterize their water barrier, microscopic and mechanical properties. DSS films were prepared by casting with glycerol as plasticizer. Corn starch and cassava starch, commonly used in food processing, were chosen to prepare films and compare their properties to the DSS-based films. Using a second biopolymer, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), in the DSS based composite has been studied as a strategy to improve their important properties. Water vapor permeability and elongation values were improved significantly (p<0.05) when 5% (w/w DSS) CMC was incorporated. Therefore, preparing biodegradable films from DSS is a new alternative for using this raw material which is sometimes much cheaper than commercial starches. © (2012) Trans Tech Publications.