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Experimental and Modeling Studies on the Synthesis and Properties of Higher Fatty Esters of Corn Starch
Author(s) -
Junistia Laura,
Sugih Asaf K.,
Manurung Robert,
Picchioni Francesco,
Janssen Leon P. B. M.,
Heeres Hero J.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
starch ‐ stärke
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.62
H-Index - 82
eISSN - 1521-379X
pISSN - 0038-9056
DOI - 10.1002/star.200800076
Subject(s) - starch , ultimate tensile strength , catalysis , chemistry , stearate , elongation , vinyl acetate , organic chemistry , thermal stability , chemical engineering , materials science , polymer , composite material , copolymer , engineering
This paper describes a systematic study on the synthesis of higher fatty esters of corn starch (starch laurate and starch stearate) by using the corresponding vinyl esters. The reactions were carried out in DMSO using basic catalysts (Na 2 HPO 4 , K 2 CO 3 , and Na‐acetate). The effect of the process variables (vinyl ester to starch ratio, catalyst intake, reaction temperature and type of the catalyst) on the degree of substitution (DS) of the starch laurate and starch stearate esters was determined by performing a total of 54 experiments. The results were adequately modeled using a non‐linear multivariable regression model ( R 2 ≥0.96). The basicity of the catalyst and the reaction temperature have the highest impact on the product DS. The thermal and mechanical properties of some representative product samples were determined. High‐DS products (DS = 2.26‐2.39) are totally amorphous whereas the low‐DS ones (DS = 1.45‐1.75) are still partially crystalline. The thermal stability of the esterified products is higher than that of native starch. Mechanical tests show that the products have a tensile strength (stress at break) between 2.7–3.5 MPa, elongation at break of 3–26%, and modulus of elasticity of 46–113 MPa.