VISCOELASTIC PROPERTIES OF PECTIN STARCH BLENDS

Blends of lime and citrus pectin and starch were investigated to chara cterize their ability to form strong self-supporting films. Films were made both without plasticizer and with glycerine, urea, and poly(ethy lene glycol) as plasticizers. The films were cast from water onto poly carbonate plates, allowed to dry, and removed. Mechanical analysis was done using a Rheometrics RSA II solids analyzer. These blends were fo und to form strong high-modulus films. The use of glycerine as a plast icizer resulted in the best films. Variations in composition allowed e xcellent control of the film properties.