Effect of beetroot (Beta vulgaris L. var conditiva) fiber filler and corona treatment on cassava starch films properties

Abstract The effect on the physicochemical and mechanical properties of cassava starch films, of the addition of 1,5 % of beetroot powder (BP) as a filler and of the application of a corona treatment (T), was studied for films obtained through casting. Composite films showed an extensibility at break 36% lower than simple films. The water vapor permeability (WVP) decreased (54%) and the intensity of red and yellow colors and the hydrophobicity increased in the presence of BP. After treatment, a significant decrease in extensibility (56%), and an increase in stress (27%) were observed for composite films. A decrease in solubility (48%), WVP (58%) and hydrophilicity were observed for treated simple films. It can be concluded that the incorporation of BP and the T have potential for producing changes in the characteristics of these films and that some of that modifications can be beneficial in relation to films application in food.