Ether-extracted maltodextrin (MD) powder was surface functionalized under 1
3.56-MHz RF-SiCl4-plasma conditions, and consecutively in situ aminated and
grafted using dichlorodimethylsilane. Survey and high-resolution X-ray pho
toelectron spectroscopy, FTIR evaluations, fluorescence-labeling technique,
SEM, and DTA/TG analyses prove the presence of a graft-copolymer layer on
the modified starch-granule surfaces and the existence of a significantly c
hanged surface morphology of the starch granules, as a result of the grafti
ng reactions. The hydrophobic nature of the polydimethylsiloxane-grafted st
arch and its significantly changed thermal behaviors were also evaluated. P
otential applications of modified maltodextrins are discussed. (C) 2001 Joh
n Wiley & Sons, Inc.