Temperature-Dependent Etherification of Cassava Starch with Chptac for Cationic Starch Production

Abstract

This research explores the economic potential of producing cationic starch from abundant and inexpensive cassava in Indonesia. Cationic starch was synthesized by etherifying cassava starch with 3-chloro-2-hydroxy propyltrimethyl ammonium chloride (CHPTAC) at varying temperatures. Successful synthesis was confirmed by FTIR and NMR spectroscopy indicating C-N bonds. Properties like degree of substitution (DS), reaction efficiency (RE), crystallinity, morphology and thermal resistance were analyzed. The optimal synthesis temperature was 80°C, producing cationic starch with a DS of 0.35 and RE of 98±1.2%. This economically viable process utilizes readily available cassava to produce high-value cationic starch, currently an expensive import for Indonesian industries.

Keywords: Cassava starch, Cationic starches, 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyltrimethylamonium chloride, Etherification, Heating temperature