Osunde ZD
Nigeria
Research Article
Development and Optimisation of Cassava Starch-Zinc-Nanocomposite Film for
Potential Application in Food Packaging
Author(s): Fadeyibi A, Osunde ZD, Agidi G, Idah PA and Egwim ECFadeyibi A, Osunde ZD, Agidi G, Idah PA and Egwim EC
The improvement of biodegradable film used in the food packaging has been made possible through nanotechnology. This research was carried out to develop and optimize the cassava starch-zinc-nanocomposite films for potential applications in food packaging. The zinc nanoparticles were prepared by sol-gel method and established with the particle sizes ranging from 4 nm to 9 nm. The films were developed by casting the solutions of 24 g cassava starch, 0% to 2% (w/w) zinc nanoparticles and 45% to 55% (w/w) glycerol in plastic mould of 8, 10 and 12 mm depths. The average thickness of the films varied respectively with the depth as 15.14 ± 0.22, 16.21 ± 0.36 and 17.38 μm ± 0.13 μm. Permeability and stability of the films were determined at 27°C and 65% relative humidity and thermal range of 30°C to 950°C, respectively. Also, the mechanical properties w.. View More»