The biodegradable polymers from renewable resources to substitute synthetic polymer products has provided opportunities for the reduction of waste via biological recycling.Starch-based biodegradable composite (plastic) films of varied compositions were prepared using casting techniques. The composite films were characterized for thermal stability using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The TGA results indicated that the sample with glycerol, starch and clay of 17.50 wt. %. 70.00 wt. % and 12.50 wt.%, respectively was the most thermally stable, having an onset degradation temperature of 245.68oC and a maximum degradation temperature of 277.96oC.The DSC of the films revealed that the sample also has the highest melting temperature of 119.47oC and a corresponding enthalpy of 163.64 J/g. The films produced can be used for packaging.

Keywords : Cassava Starch, Clay, Glycerol, Composite Films, Biodegradable