Effect of carbonyl content on the properties of thermoplastic oxidized starch

In order to improve the properties of starch, oxidized starches (OS) with different carbonyl contents were prepared by hydroxyl peroxide under mild conditions. Glycerol as a plasticizer was added into OS to produce thermoplastic oxidized starches (TPOS). It was found that the content of carbonyl and carboxyl had a great effect on the thermal properties, mechanical properties and moisture resistance of TPOS. TPOS with 38.5% carbonyl content (TPOS38.5) showed the lowest glass transition temperature (Tg) and moisture absorption, as well as the best mechanical properties. The effects of plasticizer content on the properties of TPOS38.5 were also investigated. All the results indicated that the oxidation could improve the properties of TPOS.