**Abstract**
The use of 60Co-γ rays to irradiate denatured raw starch is an innovative method for producing radiation-modified starch. This technique enhances the sizing formula and explores the application of modified starch slurry in textile sizing. The results indicate that using radiation-modified starch significantly improves weaving efficiency by 5% to 20%, while reducing sizing costs by 10% to 20%. It can potentially replace or partially substitute PVA-based sizing agents, offering a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative.
**Keywords**: Starch; Radiation Denaturation; Textile Sizing
Starch is widely used across various industries such as textiles, food, and paper. In China, the traditional method for producing modified starch relies heavily on chemical processes. However, this approach has several limitations, including challenges in controlling the degree of modification, difficulties in purification and dispersion, complex procedures, high costs, and inconsistent quality [1, 2]. Meanwhile, ionizing radiation technology, especially gamma-ray treatment, has emerged as a promising alternative. It offers advantages like simpler processing, lower energy consumption, reduced environmental impact, and easier automation [3]. Therefore, using 60Co-γ rays to induce starch denaturation and prepare modified starch provides a solid foundation for its large-scale application in textile sizing.
**1. Application Mechanism**
High-energy gamma rays break the CC, CO, and CH bonds in starch molecules, reducing the degree of polymerization and lowering viscosity. These rays penetrate uniformly through the starch structure, generating radicals that are distributed throughout both amorphous and crystalline regions. Under aerobic conditions, these radicals combine with oxygen to form stable peroxides. When dissolved in water, these peroxides decompose, releasing free radicals that can initiate polymerization reactions with monomers in solution [4–6].
In traditional textile sizing, when chemically modified starch has lower intrinsic viscosity than PVA at the same concentration, its performance declines with higher starch content. More PVA is often required to compensate. However, radiation-treated starch reacts with PVA and other adhesives during dissolution, improving thermodynamic compatibility and enhancing properties like water absorption, film strength, flexibility, and abrasion resistance. By adjusting the irradiation dose, modified starches with different grafting activities and molecular weights can be tailored for various loom types and fabric requirements.
**2. Quality Technical Indicators of Radiation-Modified Starch**
In production, key indicators include viscosity and thermal stability, which directly affect sizing uniformity and efficiency. A good slurry must maintain suitable viscosity and thermal stability, typically with a fluctuation rate below 15%.
**3. Sizing Test**
**3.1 Slurry Formula**
Three types of yarns were tested, and the ratio of new and old formulas is presented in Table 2.
**3.2 Sizing Process**
The process used is outlined in Table 3.
**4. Results and Discussion**
**4.1 Weaving Effect**
Testing different sizing formulations showed significant improvements in weaving performance. The opening definition improved, and the breakage rate decreased. For example, compared to the original formula, the loom efficiency increased from 50% to 71.2%, a 21.2% improvement.
**4.2 Cost Comparison**
The cost analysis of two fabric samples revealed a substantial reduction in PVA usage. The new formulations reduced the dry pulp cost by 20.2% and 18.5%, respectively, leading to considerable economic benefits.
Radiation-modified starch eliminates the need for chemical initiators, simplifies the process, and ensures consistent quality. It also improves compatibility with other sizing agents and reduces the reliance on PVA, which is environmentally harmful. This makes it a viable alternative that supports sustainable textile production.
**5. Conclusion**
Radiation-modified starch demonstrates excellent adhesive properties, tensile strength, and flexibility. It dissolves easily and is simple to desize. It can be blended with or replace expensive PVA, reducing both cost and environmental impact. With growing restrictions on PVA imports in many countries, the development of radiation-modified starch is of great significance for the future of the textile industry.
**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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