Effect of Shear and Heat Milling Treatment of Starch on Starch/Glycerin Composite

In this study, crystalline corn starch (CS) and amorphous corn starch (ACS) were thermoplasticized with glycerin (Gly). Effect of amorphization of starch by using uniquely developed thermocontrolled milling machine on material properties was discussed. Structure of starch added with Gly was characterized by x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope. Uniformity of ACS/Gly blend was higher than that of CS/Gly blend. Differential scanning calorimetry indicated lower melt temperature of ACS/Gly. Tensile test shows that fracture strain of ACS added with high amount of Gly is significantly enhanced. Improved ductility of the material was a result of uniformity induced by amorphization.