Thermoplastic starch (TPS) materials were developed from mixtures of native and acetylated corn
starches with glycerol. To optimize the formulations an experimental design for multicomponent mixtures was used and the assayed formulations were determined by statistical software. Blends and pellets
humidity content increased with glycerol concentration. Starch destructuration during the extrusion process was studied by thermal analysis. Films presented homogenous structure, rough surfaces and certain
stickiness. They presented different properties, related mainly to the differential characteristics of native
and acetylated starches and to hydrophilic character of glycerol. Their mechanical behavior indicated that
they are a good option as a food packaging materials since TPS films resulted enough resistant to protect
the product and flexible to resist moderate deformations. Besides, the use of acetylated starch in the formulations enhanced film resistance and reduced their WVP, despite of its low modification degree. The
storage of the films under controlled conditions increased their stiffness, while their flexibility and
WVP were reduced. Plasticizer migration towards the matrix surface was observed in stored films. Films
resulted stable till a
w = 0.7 and due to their selective gaseous permeability they are useful to package
products susceptible to oxidation or to control vegetable respiration and senescence