Synthesis of a Magnetic Nanoparticles/Dialdehyde Starch-Based Composite Film for Food Packaging

The primary purpose of this study is to fabricate a MNPs (magnetic nanoparticles) and DAS (dialdehyde starch)-based novel composite film for use in food packaging. In order to characterize the synthesized composite film, FTIR, XRD, SEM, TGA, WVT, and WVP tests are carried out. Dialdehyde starch is polymerized by the intramolecular Cannizzaro reaction with MNPs in the presence of a concentrated solution of sodium hydroxide. The presence of Fe3O4 nanoparticles is confirmed by a broad stretching absorption band at 680 cm(-1) in the FTIR spectra. In addition, the XRD diffractogram of MNPs/DAS composite exhibits the characteristic peaks of magnetite (Fe3O4) crystals. Thermogravimetric analysis confirms that the MNPs/DAS film is thermally stable up to 300 degrees C, and the maximum decomposition occurrs at 500 degrees C. Furthermore, SEM micrographs confirm the homogenous distribution of MNPs in the starch hydroxy acid film. The MNPs/DAS composite film has a lower moisture content than the DAS film indicating the increased hydrophilic nature of the former. The authors propose the synthesized MNPs/DAS composite film as a potential candidate for use in food packaging.