Influence of ionic plasticizers on the processing and viscosity of starch melts

Maize starch was plasticized by glycerol, choline chloride ([Chol][Cl]) and ionic liquids (Choline acetate ([Chol][Ace]), 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium Chloride ([EMIM][Cl]) and 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([EMIM][Ace]). Melt rheology at 120 °C was assessed with a twin-screw micro-compounder used for processing small quantities (8−10 g), and with a capillary rheometer with pre-shearing (Rheoplast). Qualitative agreement was found between...