| Abstract: | The effects of γ-irradiation (0.02–4.0 Mrad absorbed dose and 1.2 Mrad/hr dose rate) on depolymerization and selected physical properties of corn starch and amylose (both dry solid and solution forms) were investigated under conditions used to make graft polymers. Radiation introduces an alkali-sensitive structure, most likely β-alkoxycarbonyl, having a G value of 2.8. A dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)-acetic acid-water solvent for intrinsic viscosity was developed that degraded irradiated amylose less than did aqueous 90% DMSO. The G (scission) value of 1.3 for solid amylose irradiated at 0°C under nitrogen is lower than most literature values for either amylose or other polysaccharides. The protection of amylose against irradiation degradation in water by additions of DMSO is noteworthy. The G (scission) for amylose irradiated in 99.8% DMSO is 2.3; whereas, in water it is 30. |
