Abstract

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and optical microscopy (OM) were used to investígate the surface morphology of cornstarch films. The films were obtained by casting with glycerol and water as plasticizers. Similar morphologies were observed by OM and AFM operating in intermittent contact mode, Features of different shapes and sizes were visualized and attributed to swollen and partially disrupted granules. AFM phase-contrast images revealed distinct structures occurring inside. outside and in the interface of the partially disrupted granules. This result was discussed in terms of phase separation.