Evaluation of the action and properties of thermoplastic starch / titanium dioxide / graphene nanocomposites obtained through spray drying for fruit covering

In this study, nanoparticles of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and graphene were incorporated into a matrix of thermoplastic starch (TPS) obtained from cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) with the objective of producing a material for covering fruit, aiming to last the shelf life of food. The polymeric nanocomposites (NCPs) were obtained by the solvent dispersion method and, subsequently, the spray drying technique was used to obtain the material in powder form. The NCPs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), fluidity index (MFI), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential (PZ) and UV absorption spectroscopy ultraviolet and visible (UV-vis). The main results showed that the polymeric suspension obtained from the pulverized nanocomposites presented characteristics for potential use in coating apples and guava, such as high efficiency in absorbing UV-A and UV-B radiation and high stability of the formed solutions. Furthermore, the fruit coating test proved that the developed solution improved the visual characteristics and significantly delayed the degradation process of the analyzed fruits, proving to be effective in offering greater longevity to the food, reducing exorbitant losses and waste that strongly impact positively the economy and the environment.