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10/27/13 www.brunel.ac.uk - Biodegradable Starch-based Nano-Clay Composites for Food Packaging Applications
www.brunel.ac.uk/sed/mer/centre-for-materials-from-renewable-resources-cmrr/biodegradable-starch-based-nano-clay-composites-for-food-packaging-applica
Biodegradable Starch-based Nano-Clay
Composites for Food Packaging Applications
(2004-2007, DEFRA Food LINK)
Aim: The aim of the project is to develop processing technologies and biodegradable materials based on starch
for food packaging applications.
In collaboration with Institute of Food Research, Pactiv (UK) Ltd (Now Pregis(UK) Ltd), Leistritz Extruder
UK, Marks & Spencer plc, Northern Foods plc, Dassett Process Engineering Ltd and Heygates Ltd, The
consortium has made significant
achievements in the development of UK thermoplastic starch (TPS) materials as highlighted below:
1. A portfolio of formulations of thermoplastic starch materials has been established. These include those
based on wheat flour and purified wheat starch and their nano-clay composites.
2. Silicone and wax emulsion coating have been successfully applied to the starch sheet and proved effectiv
in enhancement of moisture resistant and reduction of water vapour permeability. Incorporation of wax
has been shown to be effective in reducing water vapour permeability.
3. Compostablity of the starch materials in home composting environment has been assessed in comparison
with other paper based materials and biopolymers and proved to be home compostable at highest rate o
biodegradation.
4. Film and sheet were successfully produced by direct extrusion. While flexible and transparent films are
demonstrated applicable as window materials for food packaging (e.g. see through sandwich packs- a
new application not foreseen in the original proposal), more rigid sheet was successfully thermoformed
into food packaging trays and lids.5. The TPS trays have been evaluated in a sample of typical food packaging applications. This identified
advantages and weaknesses of the prototype product and provided useful information for further technica
improvements and exploitation of the technology and materials.
6. In addition, the PhD work at Brunel and IFR has established a computer model which takes account both
temperature and moisture content effects on the TPS materials behaviour during thermoforming process
and achieved advances in the fundamental understanding of starch nano-clay composites and coating.
Transparent food trays made from thermoplastic starch materials developed at Brunel
Brunel University 2013
http://www.brunel.ac.uk/
