Preparation and evaluation of some cationic starch derivatives as flocculants

Six types of cationic starch derivatives bearing different types of amino g roups, i.e., primary, secondary and tertiary or quaternary ammonium salt, w ere prepared and evaluated as flocculants. Native and hydrolyzed maize star ches were used as parent materials for these derivatives. The different fac tors affecting flocculation were studied. These factors include (a) floccul ant dose, (b) pH of the flocculation medium, (c) chemical formula of the fl occulant and (d) type of cationic starch, its molecular weight and nitrogen content.