Developing acrylated epoxidized soybean oil coating for improving moisture sensitivity and permeability of starch-based film

Authors: GE, XIAOYAN - South China University Of Technology; YU, LONG - South China University Of Technology; Liu, Zengshe - Kevin; LIU, HONGSHENG - South China University Of Technology; CHEN, YING - South China University Of Technology; CHEN, LING - South China University Of Technology

Submitted to: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/27/2018
Publication Date: 3/15/2019
Citation: Ge, X., Yu, L., Liu, Z., Liu, H., Chen, Y., Chen, L. 2019. Developing acrylated epoxidized soybean oil coating for improving moisture sensitivity and permeability of starch-based film. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. 125:370-375. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.11.239.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.11.239

Interpretive Summary: In this research, we discovered that a soybean oil-based coating solution could be used to coat starch-based films to improve their water absorption properties. The hydrophilic nature of starch makes it susceptible to moisture uptake, resulting in inadequate performance of water vapor permeability and tensile strength. The coating process of a soybean oil-based solution can be done by dipping or spraying onto the starch-based films, followed by crosslinking with ultraviolet (UV) light. Results showed the water resistance properties were greatly improved. This technology will expand the application of starch-based films as food packaging materials.

Technical Abstract: Acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (AESO)-based coatings were developed to reduce the moisture sensitivity and permeability of starch-based materials. The coating was applied on starch-based films by dipping the samples on AESO-based coating solutions, followed by crosslinking with ultraviolet (UV) light. Effect of AESO concentration, photoinitiator content and processing conditions on the performance of coated starch-based film was systematically investigated, in particular the effect of coating on moisture absorption, permeability and mechanical properties. The modified surface was characterized by scanning electronic microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results showed that the moisture sensitivity of the starch-based sheets was reduced significantly since the crosslinked AESO acted as a hydrophobic layer. Moisture permeability was decreased more than 10 times after AESO treatment. It was found that the crosslinking density acted as one of the key factors, so even a very thin layer of AESO could achieve good water resistance.