Optical properties of a heated corn-starch mixture

In this study, the objective was to evaluate optical properties of a corn starch-water mixture as descriptors of its behavior under processing conditions. A solution of corn starch in water was prepared and heated from 25 to 85°C in a temperature-controlled optical cell. For the measurement of optical properties, a polarized laser beam modulated through a photoelastic modulator and an analyzer, was used as optical probe. It was possible to measure transmitted light, along with optical rotation. Optical measurements showed changes related to temperature dependent phenomena such as starch granule swelling and gelatinization, in the ranges 25 to 60°C, 60 to 85°C. Above 80°C transmission values were higher, due to the solution clarification caused by corn starch gelatinization. Regarding optical rotation, it was difficult to obtain reliable measurements at low temperatures due to the high turbidity of the system. However, once gel was formed at higher temperatures, optical rotation and light transmission increased. This study demonstrated that optical techniques are suitable for the study of the behavior of water-starch mixtures under processing conditions such as heating, revealing a promising future for the monitoring of such phenomena in the production line to lower costs and improve product quality.