Coalescence of oil droplets in plasticized starch matrix in simple shear flow

► We examine the coalescence of oil droplets in a plasticized starch in shear flow. ► A method based on double staining and confocal microscopy was introduced. ► Coalescence was observed at all process conditions studied. ► Intensity of coalescence (IC) was quantified by using critical capillary number. ► IC increased with shear rate and oil content, and decreased with blend viscosity.