Project Number: 3620-41000-114-01
Project Type: Trust

Start Date: Nov 15, 2002
End Date: Apr 30, 2005

Objective:
The overall objective is to develop new markets for surplus corn starch by developing new starch/polyaspartate copolymers and processes for making these economically in cooperation with the CRADA partner (Folia, Inc.). Specific objectives are to determine conditions for the esterification of starch with aspartic acid and/or poly(succinimide-co-asparate) and to prepare and characterize such starch esters as well as neat polyaspartic acids by reactive extrusion.

Approach:
Initially, parallel micro- and small scale reactors will be used to study the effects of temperature, time, solvent type and amount, and catalyst on the reaction of starch with poly(succinimide-co-aspartate). These reactions as well as the homopolymerization of aspartic acid will then be scaled up using a twin screw extruder. The extent of starch esterification and polymerization of aspartic acid will be characterized by NMR, FTIR and GPC methods. Functional properties of selected polymers, such as water absorbancy, thickening and metal ion binding, will also be measured.

Project Team

Shogren, Randal - Randy Willett, Julious - J. L.

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003

Related National Programs

Quality and Utilization of Agricultural Products (306)