Microwave-assisted synthesis and characterization of acetylated corn starch

摘要

In this study, native corn starch (NCS) was acetylated by a microwave-assisted method using vinyl acetate as an acetylating agent and potassium carbonate as a catalyst. Acetylated corn starch (ACS) was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, SEM, and XRD. The optimum conditions of acetylation (i.e., reaction temperature, exposure time, and catalyst concentration) were assessed. The physicochemical properties of ACS including swelling power, solubility, intrinsic viscosity, apparent viscosity, paste clarity, and syneresis were studied. Furthermore, the adhesion property and sizing performance were evaluated. The results revealed that the physicochemical properties of ACS were improved compared with those of NCS. The adhesion force of ACS to polyester/cotton fibers increased significantly; the sizing properties of ACS were better than those of NCS. ACS, which has potential applications in the textile industry, is an ideal substitute for polyvinyl alcohol.