Cationic Starch: A Brief Intro

by Sagar Chauhan Digital Marketing Analyst

Cationic starch is a refined starch that is generally used as wet-end starches. Though all-natural starches are used as wet-end starches cationic starches make the best choice. This modified starch is normally positively charged and thus they are easily attracted to the cellulose filler and fibers which remain negatively charged. As a normal outcome, fiber to filler and also fiber to fiber bonds get increased. This, in turn, improves the retention of filler and fines which results in increased strength of the paper sheet.

Composition of Cationic Starch:
The composition of its carbohydrate monomer is C6H12O6. It is made of a slurry of partly swollen starch granules with a reactive composite.

Types of cationic starches:
Cationic starches are commercially available and mainly two types are there –
• Quaternary ammonium type
• Tertiary amino type

The first kind of starch is cationic in every pH range, whereas the second kind becomes cationic in the only acidic range. This becomes a crucial point when applications are planned using ternary amino type cationic starch powder. And, this problem makes its application limited too. Though, when you will search in the market, cationic starch powder suppliers Gujarat and others can provide you both varieties in your desired amounts.
The group containing quaternary ammonium remains attached at the starch’ C6 position and OH group of the C6 position remains more active.

Applications of Cationic starch in the paper mills:
The use of cationic starches in the paper mill industry brings many benefits. Its use improves the strength of paper, retention, water drainage, and quality. It also makes the paper dust repellent, size addition, and linting. It offers bigger control to the process of papermaking. As a result, fewer numbers of paper web get broken and the productivity of the paper machine improves.
The use of cationic starch allows the use of more recycled fibers and filler which in turn reduces furnishing cost too. Being working as a surface size agent, this starch improves brightness, quality of printing, opacity, and stiffness.

Specifications of Cationic Starch:
• It has no odor
• At 105-110°C, it remains a maximum 14% w/w
• At 10% solution, its pH value remains between 5 to 8
• It has high viscosity i.e. 5% at 50°C
• It is min 88% white
• Its fitness remains min 99%
• Its nitrogen content remains <=0.3%

General Applications of Cationic Starch:
• It is mostly used in the paper mills to make the papermaking process enhanced with retention of fines and filters
• It offers higher internal strength and quick drainage
• It enhances better sheet formation
• It offers increased effluent quality

Functional properties of Cationic Starch:
• In strength engineering –
1. Drainage
2. Retention
3. Dry strength
4. OBA carrier
5. Natural coating binders

Other major properties and benefits of Cationic Starch:
• The cationic starch powder is white in color
• It is made of renewable resources like pea, maize, potato, blend or tapioca
• Its pH is around 5
• Its moisture content depends on its grade
• Its Brookfield viscosity depends on its grade
Cationic starch powder suppliers of Gujarat provide high-quality products at reasonable rates.