Starch modification using a twin‐roll mixer as a reactor

Abstract

Abstract A starch modification reactor has been established using a HAAKE rheometer incorporating a twin‐roll mixer, which has been modified to improve its sealing and feeding, and to establish an oxygen‐free environmental. The advantages of the system include: (i) starch modification can be carried out at high starch concentration (up to 70%); (ii) combining the steps of starch gelatinization and chemical modification; (iii) controllable reaction time; and (iv) smaller sample size (60 g) requirement. The effects of water content, rpm, time, and temperature on the reactive system was systematically investigated. Corn starch (60% starch concentration) was successfully grafted with acrylamide then crosslinked by N,N ′‐methylene‐bisacrylamide to produce biodegradable superabsorbent polymers using this reactor.