Acylation Process for Starch Viscosity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The physical properties of acylated polymer compositions, such as acylated starch, are difficult to control in the acylation process, making it challenging to produce acylated polymer compositions with superior properties for applications like inks, varnishes, and pharmaceutical excipients.
Innovation Solution
A process involving pre-treatment of amylose and/or amylopectin with an aqueous phase containing an acid with a pKa of 4.8 or less and an enzyme, followed by reaction with an acylating agent, and subsequent treatment with another acid in the presence of water to control viscosity and degree of substitution, achieving acylated polymer compositions with specific viscosity and ethanol tolerance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional acylation process is used, then acylated polymer composition is produced, but physical properties are difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The starch is pre-treated with an aqueous phase containing acid and enzyme before acylation to modify its structure and properties. This preliminary action enables better control of physical properties (viscosity, ethanol tolerance) in the final acylated product by preparing the polymer in a more reactive and controllable state prior to the main acylation reaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention controls physical properties by adjusting multiple parameters including acid type and concentration, enzyme type and amount, reaction temperature, reaction time, and acylating agent conditions. These parameter changes allow precise control over viscosity and ethanol tolerance of the acylated starch product.
2Manufacturing precision
If pre-treatment with acid and enzyme is applied, then physical properties are controlled, but process steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-treatment step combines acid modification and enzymatic treatment in a single aqueous phase treatment process. This merging of multiple functions (swelling, partial hydrolysis, and enzymatic modification) into one step achieves viscosity control without proportionally increasing process complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If pre-treatment with acid and enzyme is applied, then physical properties are controlled, but production time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The acylation process is conducted in periodic stages: pre-treatment phase (acid and enzyme application), main acylation phase, and post-treatment phase (acid treatment). This periodic action allows each stage to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall production efficiency and achieving precise ethanol tolerance control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The process effectively controls the physical properties of acylated polymer compositions, resulting in products with viscosity of 50 mPas or greater and ethanol tolerance of 60% or less, suitable for various industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
The pre-treatment step in the process allows for efficient swelling of the polymer composition
Implementation Method 2
treating the starch before acylation with an aqueous phase comprising one additive chosen from the group consisting of at least one acid A having a pKa of equal to or less than 4.8 at 25° C. and an enzyme
Implementation Method 3
reacting the pre-treated polymer composition with an acylating agent to provide an acylated polymer composition comprising amylose and/or amylopectin
Implementation Method 4
treating the acylated polymer with at least one acid A′ with a pKa of equal to or less than 4.8 at 25° C., in the presence of water
Data Source
AI summary
A process for the manufacture of an acylated polymer composition including amylose and/or amylopectin, including a pre-treatment step in the presence of an acid and a hydroxycarboxylic acid, subsequent acylation and, preferably, a post-treatment step with an acid. The products obtained are useful as additives in inks, varnishes, lacquers, coatings, thickeners, adhesives or binders.