Results show that it was possible to successfully produce
cornstarch–chitosan blends by extrusion with a high dispersion
and distribution degree of the TPC phase in TPS as observed by
scanning electron microscopy analyzes. SEM micrographs showed
blends with homogeneous surface, and the criofractured samples
displayed no agglomeration of chitosan within a completely
destructurized starch matrix. These blends also had good thermal
stability in which the addition of chitosan produced more thermally
stable films. Moreover, addition of 5 and 10 wt.% chitosan acted as a plasticizer to TPS matrix, increasing the elongation at
break (elongation at break increased by 56 to 35%, respectively)
and decreasing tensile strength and elastic modulus. Therefore,
the obtained blends have potential for applications in packaging,
especially where a high output of processed polymer is required as
compared to batch processing such as casting.