Thermoplastic starch (TPS) is becoming increasingly popular for its potential to replace fossil-based plastic films. The fabrication of TPS film involves the reaction of four main components: starch, solvent, plasticizer, and initiator. The role of the plasticizer and initiator is critically important to provide the required mechanical properties of the film. The addition of a eutectic-based ionic liquid has potential to increase the mechanical properties for optimization. This research aims to evaluate the effect of two different plasticizers with their two corresponding initiators: (1) glycerol with acetic acid and (2) choline chloride with urea. Of particular interest is their effect on the strength and strain at fracture. The TPS film formulation in this work consists of 5 grams (g) of potato starch and 100 g of water (solvent). The molar ratio for the plasticizer and its corresponding initiator was 20:1 for glycerol: acetic acid and 1:2 for choline chloride: urea following published reports. Test specimens are prepared and tested according to ASTM D882. Results show that glycerol and acetic acid have higher average elongation at break but lower average tensile strength. The replacement of a eutectic-based ionic liquid does in fact change the mechanical properties of potato thermoplastic starch films significantly, demonstrating the importance of specific binding characteristics within the plasticizer and its bio-polymer chain.

Plasticizing capabilities of glycerol: Acetic acid and choline chloride: Urea in potato thermoplastic starch film

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