Thermal, mechanical, and rheological properties of micro-fibrillated cellulose-reinforced starch foams crosslinked with polysiloxane-based cross-linking agents.

The disposal of non-degradable plastic packaging and plastic pollution are widespread environmental problems. The development of a fully biodegradable alternative foam packaging with excellent water barrier properties from polysaccharides is quite challenging. In this work, micro-fibrillated cellulose fiber-reinforced starch foams (MFC-SFs) were developed by crosslinking with two poly(siloxane)-based crosslinking agents that enhanced their strength and water barrier properties.