Effect of energetic neutrals on the kithul starch retrogradation; Potential utilization for improving mechanical and barrier properties of films.

The effect of energetic neutral argon (EAr) atoms on the short and long-term retrogradation was studied, and the retrograded starch was used to prepare bioplastic films for better mechanical and barrier properties. Kithul starch showed higher short and long-term retrogradation after treatment. The EAr atoms treatment increased amylose content and amylose leaching; it facilitated the short-term retrogradation.

Energetic neutral atoms assisted development of kithul (Caryota urens) starch-lauric acid complexes: A characterisation study.

Kithul starch was treated by EN (energetic neutral nitrogen) atoms at 6 W,12 W and 18 W for 15 min and incorporated lauric acid for the development of starch-lauric acid inclusion complexes. EN atoms treatment significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased the complex index (CI).

Hydrothermal modifications of nonconventional kithul () starch: physico-chemical, rheological properties and in vitro digestibility.

Effect of hydrothermal modifications (autoclaving, annealing and heat moisture treatment) on physico-chemical, rheological properties and in vitro digestibility of kithul starch was studied. Annealing and heat moisture treatment decreased swelling index, solubility and increased crystalline properties as compared with autoclaving. Autoclaving, annealing and heat moisture treatment caused significant morphological damages such as large holes and fissures on the kithul starch, in addition, granules changed from oval to donut shape.

Melting, crystallization and storage stability of virgin coconut oil and its blends by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).

The blends were prepared of virgin coconut oil with refined soyabean oil (VCO-RSOY) and refined safflower oil (VCO-RSAFF). Blending with VCO improved the fatty acid composition which increased the shelf stability of 20:80 VCO-RSOY and VCO-RSAFF up to 12 months in different packaging systems such as low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, metalized polyester pouches, polyethylene teteraphthalate, high density polyethylene (HDPE), Amber HDPE bottle. The specific spectral regions of FTIR proved to be very useful for the determination of adulteration as well as for the study of oxidation process.

Hybrid HPMC nanocomposites containing bacterial cellulose nanocrystals and silver nanoparticles.

Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) based hybrid nanocomposites reinforced with bacterial cellulose nanocrystals (BCNC) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) had been prepared and characterised. BCNC was capable of improving the tensile strength and modulus of HPMC, but they made the film more brittle. The addition of AgNPs along with BCNC, helped to regain some of the lost elongation properties without affecting other properties.