Development of silver and clay-starch bio-nanocomposites

Abstract

Starch, among biopolymers is that had the lowest production cost, wide availability, fully biodegradability and is a renewable agriculture resource. Starch due to its sensitivity to humidity and poor mechanical properties cannot be used in many applications. For that, the dispersion of clays in this material improves their physical and mechanical properties, at very low filler loadings. On the other hand, the incorporation of silver nanoparticles into biocompatible and biodegradable matrices gives antimicrobial properties opening a new field for packaging applications. [...]