Effect of Starch Granule Size on Viscosity of Starch-Filled Poly(hydroxy ester ether) Composites

The effect of starch granule size on the viscosity of starch-filled poly(hydroxy ester ether) (PHEE) composites was characterized using size-fractionated potato starch, as well as unfractionated starches (rice, corn, wheat, and potato). Potato starch was separated using an air classifier into four particle size fractions: <18 μm, 18-24 μm, 24-30 μm, and >30 μm. The starch was dried to a moisture content of 0.5% to minimize moisture effects on composite rheology. PHEE and potato starch were extruded with starch volume fractions of 0.46 and 0.66. Stress relaxation, frequency and strain sweep, and temperature-dependence measurements were carried out. Although small variations in viscosity were seen with the different potato starch fractions, differences were not significant at a volume fraction of 0.46. Viscosity differences between the different particle size fractions were more pronounced at a volume fraction of 0.66. The temperature dependence could be described by an Arrhenius relation, with an apparent activation energy of 84 kJ/mole. At a volume fraction of 0.46, the starch/PHEE viscosities increased in the order potato starch < wheat starch ≃ corn starch < rice starch.