Barrier, mechanical and optical properties of plasticized yam starch films

Yam starch films were obtained by casting. Effect of different film thicknesses (0.07, 0.09, 0.11 mm) and concentrations of glycerol (1.30, 1.65 and 2.00% w/w) and starch (3.30, 3.65 and 4.00% w/w) were evaluated. Barriers, mechanical and optical properties of films were analyzed. Films were homogeneous and transparent without insoluble particles. Water vapor and O2 permeabilities increased with glycerol concentration. Opacity of yam starch films depended on film thickness, higher the thickness, more opaque the sample. Films with 4.00% w/w starch, 1.30% w/w glycerol and 0.11 mm thickness gave the highest puncture strength. Puncture deformation increased with glycerol content.