Effect of Starch Dodecenylsuccinylation on the Adhesion and Film Properties of Dodecenylsuccinylated Starch for Polyester Warp Sizing

A series of dodecenylsuccinylated starches（ DSSs） with different degree of substitution（ DS） were prepared via the esterification of dodencenylsuccinic anhydride with hydrolyzed cornstarch in aqueous dispersion for investigating the influences of starch dodecenylsuccinylation upon the performances such as apparent viscosity and surface tension of starch paste, film behaviors,and adhesion to fibers for warp sizing. It was found that the dodecenylsuccinylation was able to reduce the surface tension of cooked starch paste and enhance the adhesion of starch to polyester fibers. It was also capable of depressing the brittleness of native starch and improving the mechanical behaviours such as breaking elongation and work-to-break of starch film. Initial increase in DS level of dodecenylsuccinylation enhanced these positive effects,while excessively increasing the level resulted in marked reduction in tensile strength of starch film and significant decrement in reaction efficiency. X-ray diffraction patterns of starch films showed the dodecenylsuccinates derivatized onto the backbones of starch depressed the degree of crystallinity of starch film. Based on the paste behaviors, adhesion, and film properties, the dodecenylsuccinylation level is recommended in a range of 0. 015-0. 025 for sizing polyester warps.