title: Starch nanocrystals with large chain surface modifications.
abstract: Nanoscale monocrystalline starch particles were successfully modified using stearic acid chloride and poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether. Surface modification was confirmed using FTIR, XPS spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements. X-ray diffraction and DSC analysis confirmed that there was no alteration of the starch crystalline structure due to the surface modification. The grafts at the starch surface were also found to crystallize on the surface. TEM showed the individualization of nanoparticles as a result of the reduction of polar and hydrogen bonding forces. These results show our ability to modify the starch nanocrystal surface with plasticizing chains. Modified nanoparticles can find applications as compatibilized polymer additives, surface-active particles, and co-continuous nanocomposite precursors.
authors.affiliation: Ecole Française de Papeterie et des Industries Graphiques, Institut National Polytechnique de Grenoble (EFPG-INPG) BP65, 38402 Saint-Martin d'Hères Cédex, France.
authors.forename: Wim
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Thielemans
authors.forename: Mohamed Naceur
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Belgacem
authors.forename: Alain
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dufresne
mesh_terms: D002152:Calorimetry, Differential Scanning; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D015394:Molecular Structure; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000737:chemistry*; D017550:Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; D013057:Spectrum Analysis; D013213:Starch / Q000737:chemistry*; D013229:Stearic Acids / Q000737:chemistry*; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction; D014965:X-Rays
chemical_list: D013229:Stearic Acids; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D013213:Starch