Tapioca starch is a versatile and functional ingredient that has a wide range of applications in various industries. One such industry that has found multiple uses for tapioca starch is the paper industry. In this article, we will explore what tapioca starch is, its properties that make it useful in the paper industry, and its various applications in this field.
What is Tapioca Starch?
Tapioca starch is a white, odorless powder derived from the cassava root. It is a natural and renewable resource that has been used for centuries in food, industrial, and medicinal applications. Tapioca starch is a versatile ingredient that has excellent binding, thickening, and gelling properties, making it useful in various industries.
Properties of Tapioca Starch that make it Useful in Paper Industry
Tapioca starch has several properties that make it an ideal ingredient for use in the paper industry. These properties include:
- High Viscosity: Tapioca starch has a high viscosity, which makes it an excellent binder in the paper industry. It is used to bind fibers together, increasing the paper’s strength and durability.
- Low Gelatinization Temperature: Tapioca starch has a low gelatinization temperature, which means that it can be used to improve the bonding of fibers at a lower temperature. This helps to reduce energy consumption during the papermaking process.
- High Purity: Tapioca starch has high purity and is free from contaminants that could affect the paper’s quality. It is also hypoallergenic and suitable for use in food packaging applications.
- Biodegradability: Tapioca starch is a biodegradable material, making it an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic materials.
Applications of Tapioca Starch in Paper Industry
Tapioca starch has several applications in the paper industry, including:
- Coating and Sizing: Tapioca starch is used as a coating and sizing agent in the paper industry. It improves the paper’s surface strength, water resistance, and printability.
- Binding Agent: Tapioca starch is used as a binding agent in the paper industry. It is used to bind fibers together and improve the paper’s strength and durability.
- Paperboard and Corrugated Board: Tapioca starch is used in the production of paperboard and corrugated board. It is used as an adhesive to bond the layers of paperboard and corrugated board together.
- Printing Inks: Tapioca starch is used in printing inks to improve their viscosity and stability.
Conclusion
Tapioca starch is a versatile ingredient that has numerous applications in various industries, including the paper industry. Its high viscosity, low gelatinization temperature, high purity, and biodegradability make it an ideal ingredient for use in the paper industry. Its applications in this industry include coating and sizing, binding agent, paperboard and corrugated board, and printing inks. With its eco-friendly properties and versatile applications, tapioca starch is a valuable ingredient in the paper industry.