Description

Industrial starch refers to starch extracted from various plant sources and used for a wide range of industrial applications, particularly in manufacturing processes. Starch is a carbohydrate polymer consisting of glucose molecules, and it is commonly found in plants as a storage form of energy. Industrial starch can be derived from various plant sources, with the most common ones being corn (maize), wheat, potato, and cassava. Here are some key applications and uses of industrial starch:

Food Industry:
- Thickening Agent: Starch is used as a thickening agent in a variety of food products, including soups, sauces, gravies, and puddings. It provides a desirable texture and consistency.
- Binding and Stabilizing: In food processing, starch is used to bind ingredients in processed meats, improve the texture of bakery products, and stabilize dairy products.
Paper Industry:
- Paper Sizing: Starch is applied to paper during its manufacturing process as a sizing agent to improve the paper’s strength, surface smoothness, and resistance to ink penetration. This is particularly important for printing and writing paper.
Textile Industry:
- Sizing and Finishing: Starch is used in the textile industry to size yarns and fabrics, which imparts stiffness and smoothness, making them easier to handle during weaving. It is also used in finishing processes to provide a glossy appearance to fabrics.
Adhesive Industry:
- Adhesive Formulation: Modified starches are used in the production of adhesives, such as those used in paperboard packaging, corrugated boxes, and envelopes.
Pharmaceuticals:
- Tablet Manufacturing: Starch is used as a binder and filler in the production of pharmaceutical tablets, allowing for the controlled release of active ingredients.
Paperboard and Packaging:
- Paperboard Coating: Starch is applied as a coating to paperboard used in packaging materials, providing a smooth and printable surface.
Biodegradable Plastics:
- Starch can be used as a raw material in the production of biodegradable plastics, which are more environmentally friendly compared to traditional plastics.
Textile Sizing:
- In the textile industry, starch is applied to yarns and fabrics during the sizing process to increase their weight and stiffness, making them more manageable during weaving.
Pharmaceuticals:
- Starch is used as a filler in the production of pharmaceutical tablets, helping to control the release of active ingredients.
Paper Recycling:
- Starch is sometimes added to the paper recycling process to improve the quality of recycled paper.

Industrial starch is typically processed and modified to meet specific requirements for various applications. Modified starches, in particular, undergo chemical or physical treatments to enhance their performance in specific industrial processes. The choice of starch source and modification method depends on the desired properties and applications in various industries.