Advances and Trends in the Physicochemical Properties of Corn Starch Blends

Abstract

Corn starch is one of the most widely used biopolymers in the world for various applications, due to its high production, renewable, low cost, non-toxic, biodegradable and provide great stereochemical diversity by presenting a complex structure with unique qualities that they depend on multiple factors to obtain special properties for a specific use and/or of interest. From the synthesis of the starch granule to its extraction for its subsequent use, it promotes innovative characteristics, presenting infinite functionalities applicable and/or as a substitute for synthetic polymers. However, some limitations of hydrophilicity, thermal and mechanical properties, rapid degradability and strong intra and intermolecular bonds of the polymer chains make their use difficult in the medium and long term. Enzymatic, chemical and physical methods continue to be used today, creating by-products such as polluting waste and which can be costly. Therefore, the polymeric modification of the starch granule is necessary to mitigate limitations and by-products, currently the use of starch blends is a promising trend to produce new and innovative desirable properties. This chapter describes the advances and trends in the physicochemical properties of corn starch blends Zea mays L. as a potential material, leader for its attractive properties and benefits that it has to offer, demonstrating that when combined with other starches from different botanical sources and/or molecular structure present unique and unequaled synergisms.