Effects of different proportions of erythritol and mannitol on the physicochemical properties of corn starch films prepared via the flow elongation method.

• The flow elongation method was used for the preparation of corn starch films with erythritol and mannitol plasticizers. • Mannitol (DMA) reduced gelatinization in the corn starch system as analyzed by RVA analysis. • Increasing the DMA content enhanced the starch film thickness, water content, and contact angle. • Erythritol (ETH) decreased the water vapor transmittance, crystallinity, and water solubility of starch films. • Interaction of ETH and DMA influenced hydrogen bonding, grid structure, and film properties. In this study, corn films based on corn starch were fabricated through the casting method, and various plasticizers (namely, erythritol and d -mannitol) were incorporated. The study delved into the gelatinization and physicochemical characteristics of these corn starch-based films. Additionally, the impact of different ratios of plasticizers on reductive gelatinization was assessed using RVA analysis. The investigation also encompassed the effects of varying plasticizer ratios on starch granule expansion, amylose dissolution, and amylopectin melting. Interestingly, as the proportion of d -mannitol increased, there were gradual increases in film thickness, water content, and water contact angle, alongside decreases in water vapor permeability, crystallinity, and water solubility of the corn starch-based films. In essence, this research provides a fundamental basis for potential industrial applications of corn starch-based films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]