Horse chestnut thermoplastic starch nanocomposite films reinforced with nanocellulose

Abstract The starch-based materials such as thermoplastic starch film are a promising alternative to non-renewable petroleum-based plastics. The development of an alternative conventional plastic from bio-based materials has gained great interest following its biodegradable, non-hazardous and renewable advantages. Following that, horse chestnut is an exciting source of starch for producing thermoplastic starch film. Nonetheless, the thermoplastic starch film is weak in strength and easily affected by water due to its highly hydrophilic property, thus limiting its practicability. In this regard, the additions of nanocellulose into thermoplastic starch have shown drastic improvement in its mechanical properties and water permeability of the film. This chapter discusses the potential of nanocellulose reinforced plasticized starch from horse chestnut as a replacement for petroleum-based plastic in packaging applications.