Production of modified starches by gamma irradiation

As a new processing method for the production of modified starch, gamma irr adiation and four kinds of inorganic peroxides were applied to commercial c orn starch. The addition of inorganic peroxides without gamma irradiation o r gamma irradiation without the addition of inorganic peroxides effectively decreased initial viscosity, but did not sufficiently keep viscosity stabl e. The combination of adding ammonium persulfate (APS) and gamma irradiatio n showed the lowest initial viscosity and the best stability out of the tes ted four kinds of inorganic peroxides. Among the tested mixing methods of A PS, soaking was found to be more effective than dry blending or spraying. T herefore, the production of modified starch with low viscosity as well as w ith sufficient viscosity stability became feasible by the control of gamma irradiation dose levels and the amount of added APS to starch. (C) 1999 Els evier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.