Development of starch-based bioplastics of green plantain banana (Musa paradisiaca L.) modified with heat-moisture treatment (HMT)

Present study aims to evaluate the effect of modification in the bioplastics developed from native and hydrothermal modified green plantain banana (Musa paradisiaca L.) starch by heat moisture treatment (HMT). The physical modification by HMT led to changes in the mechanical properties and water vapor permeability of the bioplastics. A correlation between bioplastics mechanical and pasting properties of the starches were observed. Less values of pasting viscosities and retrogradation promoted increase in mechanical properties. Mechanical properties of bioplastic obtained using modified starch under the conditions of 25% moisture, 100 ºC and 23.92 h (PM04) were improved with respect to native starch bioplastic, reaching an elastic modulus of 12.38 MPa, a tensile strength of 27.09 MPa, an elongation of 6.0%, a puncture resistance of 251.8 N and deformation of 2.8 mm. However, water vapor permeability decreased to 7.1 × 10−14 g.cm/(cm2·s.Pa) and the solubility has not changed significantly. [Display omitted] •HMT modified green banana starch produced bioplastics with more cohesive matrix.•PM04 modification resulted in film with better mechanical properties and less WVP.•Less viscosity and enhanced bonding recrystallization stability were key HMT effects.•More aggressive HMT conditions positively influences the mechanical properties.