The effect of sucrose and inverted sugar as plasticisers on mechanical properties, hydrophilicity and water activity of cassava starch films has been studied. Other additives (gelatin, soybean oil, sodium phosphate and propylene glycol) and pH effect have also been investigated. using the same parameters. Sucrose addition resulted in the highest effect observed on cassava starch films elongation at break, however inverted sugar also had a great effect on this property. The addition of plasticiser and acidic pH increased film water absorption kinesis, while cassava starch concentration had the opposite effect. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.1032255262