EFFECT OF SODIUM-HYDROXIDE, CALCIUM HYDROXIDE, AND POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE ON DEBRANNING OF CORN

The effect of sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, and potassium hydro xide, and processing conditions (alkali concentration and soaking time ) on corn debranning was studied at a temperature of 55 degrees C. Fib er yield, soluble dry matter loss, and total dry matter removed were d etermined for different alkalies and processing conditions. Sodium hyd roxide and potassium hydroxide resulted in maximum fiber yields of 3.3 8 and 3.48%; maximum soluble dry matter loss of 7.63 and 10.96%; and m aximum total dry matter removed of 10.52 and 13.26%. Calcium hydroxide at 6% concentration level resulted in negligible fiber yield, soluble dry matter loss, and total dry matter removed with soak times up to 1 6 hr. Sodium hydroxide has higher debranning action than potassium hyd roxide at 3 and 6% concentration levels; whereas, at 9% concentration level, potassium hydroxide has higher debranning action.