Citric acid modified potato starch films containing microcrystalline cellulose reinforcement – properties and application

The preparation method of starch‐based films cross‐linked with citric acid (CA) and containing microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) has been described. The addition of MCC improved mechanical properties of polysaccharide films. Young's modulus and tensile strength increased from 42 to 96 MPa and from 2.6 to 3.9 MPa, respectively, for unfilled starch/CA films and similar system containing 15 wt% MCC, respectively. Moreover, the presence of cellulose filler influenced the thermal properties of starch‐based material: with increasing MCC content glass transition (tan δ) increased from 108 up to 129°C, respectively, for unfilled system and containing 15 wt% MCC. Additionally, the hydrophilicity of starch‐based films was reduced, as moisture absorption and solubility in water decreased. Novel application of reinforced biodegradable starch‐based films as pressure sensitive adhesive carrier (for double‐sided tapes used in paper industry) was successfully proposed.