Biodegradable films based on commercial κ-carrageenan and cassava starch to achieve low production costs

Abstract Biodegradable films have been a great alternative compared to non-renewable sources because of their cytocompatibility, biodegradability, and antimicrobial features. These properties may raise the foodstuff shelf life, reducing costs and economic losses. Indeed, biodegradable films can also reduce the environmental pollution promoted by non-biodegradable conventional packs. For the first time, biodegradable films were produced by casting commercials kappa-carrageenan (κ-car) and cassava starch at different κ-carrageenan/cassava starch weight ratios. Physical, thermal, and mechanical properties were evaluated. Apparent opacity and color analyses suggest that the films present high transparency. The sample 0κ-c supported a film with high water solubility (39.22%) and a low swelling degree (391.6%). The lowest water vapor permeability (WVP) was observed for 50κ-c (3.01 × 10−8 g (Pa m s)−1). The oil permeability varied from 0.0033 to 0.0043 mm m2 d−1. The 100κ-c and 75κ-c films (high κ-carrageenan contents) had higher stiffness (19.23 and 25.88 MPa, respectively) than the 25κ-c and 0κ-c films with elongation at break (e) of 21.60 and 67.65%, respectively. The thermal stability increased as the starch concentration raised in the blend. We produced low-cost biodegradable films from commercial polysaccharides. These films can be used as food packs.