**Abstract**
The application of 60Co-γ radiation to denature raw starch and produce radiation-modified starch has been explored, along with the optimization of sizing formulas and the investigation of the starch slurry’s performance in textile sizing. The results indicate that using radiation-modified starch significantly improves weaving efficiency by 5% to 20% and reduces sizing costs by 10% to 20%. This method can potentially replace or partially substitute traditional PVA-based sizing agents.
**Keywords**: Starch; Radiation Denaturation; Textile Sizing
Starch is widely used across industries such as textiles, food, and paper. In China, the primary method for producing modified starch is through chemical processes, which have several drawbacks, including difficulty in controlling modification levels, challenges in purification, high costs, and inconsistent quality [1, 2]. Meanwhile, ionizing radiation technology is emerging as a promising alternative, particularly in polymer synthesis and modification. Radiation-induced modifications offer advantages like simpler processes, lower energy consumption, reduced environmental impact, and better automation potential [3].
By using 60Co-γ rays, starch molecules are broken down at the molecular level, reducing their degree of polymerization and viscosity. The radiation generates free radicals that react with oxygen, forming peroxides. These radicals can then initiate further reactions during dissolution, enhancing compatibility between starch and other sizing agents like PVA. This leads to improved slurry properties such as water absorption, film strength, flexibility, and adhesion. By adjusting irradiation doses, starch with different grafting activities and molecular weights can be produced, suitable for various textile applications.
In practice, key quality indicators for radiation-modified starch include viscosity and thermal stability. A stable viscosity ensures consistent sizing performance, with fluctuations typically kept below 15%.
Testing different yarn types with new and old sizing formulas showed significant improvements in weaving efficiency. For example, one loom's efficiency increased from 50% to 71.2% with the new formula. Cost analysis also revealed that the new formulations reduced PVA usage, leading to lower production costs—up to 20% less in some cases.
This technique not only enhances textile performance but also reduces environmental impact by minimizing PVA use. With annual domestic demand for modified starch exceeding 200,000 tons, and textiles accounting for nearly half of this, the potential for radiation-modified starch is substantial.
**Conclusion**
Radiation-modified starch offers superior adhesive properties, tensile strength, and ease of desizing. It can effectively replace or reduce the need for PVA, lowering costs and environmental pollution. As regulations restrict PVA use in many countries, developing this new type of starch is both economically and environmentally beneficial.
**References**
[1] Zhou Zhongkai. Modified Starch - Overview [J]. Agricultural and Animal Products Development, 1999 (1): 39–41.
[2] Yao Xianping, Zheng Liping. Starch derivatives and their application in papermaking [M]. Beijing: China Light Industry Press, 2001.
[3] Zhao Wenyan, Pan Xiumiao. Irradiation processing technology and its application [M]. Beijing: Ordnance Industry Press, 2003.
[4] Ha Hongfei, Wu Jilan. Polymer Radiation Chemistry — Principles and Applications [M]. Beijing: Peking University Press, 2002.
[5] Yan Run. Water-soluble polymer [M]. Beijing: Chemical Industry Press, 1998.
[6] Zhang Hongmei, Chen Ling, Li Lin. Application of Microwave in Starch Modification [J]. Modernization, 2001, 21(5): 60–62.
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