Effect of fast electrons on the aggregative stability of aqueous starch solutions

Abstract

Electron-beam irradiation in air significantly affects the optical absorption and turbidity of aqueous suspensions and hydrogels of starch due to a change in their aggregative stability. The predominant effect of irradiation consists in an increase in the transparency of solutions and the sedimentation of starch. A maximum susceptibility of the starch dispersions and hydrogels to irradiation has been observed at doses below 3 kGy. The effect weakened with the use of a multienergy electron beam because of the appearance of an excess negative charge in micelles, which prevents their coagulation.