Pasting and rheologic properties of potato starch and maize starch mixtures

This study characterized the pasting and rheologic behavior of potato/maize starch mixtures of various ratios. Pasting analysis using a Brabender Viscograph indicated that most important pasting parameters did not show a linear change that reflected the ratio of starches. A significant effect on final viscosities and setback was evident. The diameter distribution of starch granules that were heated to 70 degrees C was determined by a laser particle size analyzer. The result suggested that the swelling of starch granules in the mixtures was reduced at the onset of gelatinization. Measurement of dynamic viscoelasticity measurement demonstrated that the mixtures showed slightly higher loss modulus than those seen for the control at small measuring frequencies. The mixture pastes with a high proportion of potato starch exhibited more pseudoplasticity and had a more significant thickening effect than either control paste. Nonadditive behavior was found by mixing potato and maize starch. This suggests that an appropriate blend of starches from diverse botanical origins may provide a simple practical avenue for manipulation.