Exploring the effect of humidity on thermoplastic starch films using the quartz crystal microbalance

The quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) is used as a non-destructive and efficient characterization tool for thin thermoplastic starch (TPS) films. Thin TPS films (1-2 ?m) were prepared with 30% (w/w starch) plasticizers using either glycerol or an ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidiazolium acetate ([emim+][Ac?]), the plasticizer. differences in mechanical properties environmental effects on plasticized explored. modulus of starch-glycerol was higher than starch-[emim+][Ac?], consistent literature data bulk AFM measurements, likely due to superior plasticization by liquid. starch-[emim+][Ac?] shown have relative stable at low humidity that may be some antiplasticization water content despite absorbing more humidity.