Synthesis and Characterization of Cationic Starch for Application in the Wastewater Treatment

In this study, a simple and eco-efficient way to prepare cationized modified starch with cationic reactants, such as glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride (GTMAC) and betaine hydrochloride (BHC), without using an organic solvents was developed. The processing conditions such as reaction temperature, concentration of cationic reagents, presence and concentration of catalyst and natural plasticizer within the material structure were also studied. The structure of cationic starch derivatives was characterized by using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The properties of materials such as cationic degree, viscosity, swelling capacity, solubility and moisture content were determined according to standard methods. The degree of cationization of the prepared cationic starches varied from 0.048 to 0.162 mmol g-1for samples with GTMAC and from 0.032 to 0.156 mmol g-1for samples with BHC. The FTIR and SEM characterization showed that incorporation of a cationic moiety onto the backbone of the starch was successful.