Overview
Starch ether is a chemically modified starch derivative produced by etherification, typically through reactions with propylene oxide or other etherifying agents. It retains the biodegradable nature of starch while offering enhanced functional properties such as improved water solubility, thermal stability, and resistance to enzymatic degradation. This makes it a versatile additive across multiple industries. The modification process alters the hydroxyl groups of starch molecules, introducing ether groups that reduce retrogradation and improve performance in aqueous systems. Derived from renewable resources like corn, potato, or tapioca starch, it is favored for its eco-friendly profile compared to synthetic thickeners.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Starch ether appears as a fine, free-flowing powder, often white or slightly off-white. Its solubility in water depends on the degree of substitution (DS), with higher DS grades dissolving more readily to form clear, viscous solutions. Unlike native starch, it exhibits stable viscosity under varying pH levels (typically 3–11) and temperatures (up to 90°C). Key properties include pseudoplastic rheology (shear-thinning behavior) and synergistic effects with other hydrocolloids like cellulose ethers. It is non-ionic, reducing sensitivity to salts, and shows excellent film-forming capabilities. The powder is hygroscopic, requiring moisture-proof packaging to prevent clumping.
Main Applications
In construction, starch ether serves as a thickener and water-retention agent in cement-based mortars, tile adhesives, and gypsum plasters. It improves workability, open time, and adhesion while reducing cracking. In the food industry, it acts as a stabilizer in sauces, dressings, and dairy products, often labeled as E1442 (hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate). Pharmaceutical applications include tablet binding and controlled-release formulations. Other uses include paper coatings, textile sizing, and biodegradable packaging films. Its low toxicity and biocompatibility make it suitable for personal care products like creams and lotions.
Safety and Storage
Starch ether is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for food contact and non-toxic in industrial use. Dust inhalation should be avoided; PPE such as masks is recommended during handling. It poses no significant environmental hazards and degrades readily under microbial action. Storage requires a dry environment (<70% humidity) at room temperature, sealed in polyethylene-lined bags. Prolonged exposure to high humidity can cause caking. Shelf life typically exceeds 12 months if stored properly. In case of spills, sweep or vacuum the powder to minimize airborne dispersion.
B2B Procurement Guide
When procuring starch ether, specify technical parameters such as viscosity (measured in mPa·s at defined concentrations), substitution degree, and particle size. Construction-grade products may prioritize cold-water solubility, while food-grade variants require compliance with FCC or USP standards. Bulk purchases (tonnage) often attract discounts, with pricing influenced by raw material fluctuations. Verify supplier certifications (ISO, Halal/Kosher) and request samples for performance testing in end-use formulations. Lead times vary; domestic suppliers may offer faster delivery than international sources.
Related Manufacturers
- 主营：回收染料、回收颜料、回收油漆、淀粉、回收油墨、回收丙烯酸、回收丙烯酸丁酯、回收丙烯酸甲酯、回收丙烯酸乙酯、回收丙烯酸羟乙酯、回收三乙胺、回收一乙醇胺、回收二乙醇胺、回收三乙醇胺、回收油酸、回收二甲基甲酰胺、回收二甲基吡咯烷酮、丙酸、甲酸、四氯乙烯、正庚烷、亚磷酸、松节油
- 主营：全国回收羟丙基淀粉醚、染料回收、回收颜料
- 主营：环氧树脂、氧化镁、氯化镁、淀粉醚、树脂胶、灰钙、白水泥、元明粉、氯化钙、石膏粉、胶粉、耐火水泥、纤维素、快硬水泥
- 主营：预糊化淀粉、纤维素、羧甲基纤维素、羧甲基纤维素钠
- 主营：羟丙基甲基纤维素、可再分散性乳胶粉、纤维素醚、淀粉醚、艾维贝 淀粉醚301、HPMC、羟丙甲纤维素、羟丙基甲基纤维素醚、化工级HPMC、HPMC纤维素、食品级羟丙基甲基纤维、高粘度羟丙基甲基纤维、工业级羟丙基甲基纤维、瓷砖胶粘剂、自流平砂浆、耐水腻子粉、聚乙烯醇、聚乙烯醇PVA、腻子粉、砂浆添加剂、聚丙烯纤维、高强度聚丙烯纤维、混凝土砂浆用纤维、301艾维贝
- 主营：L-半胱氨酸、L-苯丙氨酸、L-谷氨酸、羟丙基淀粉厂家、L-蛋氨酸、维生素A、维生素B1、维生素B12、维生素B2、维生素B5、维生素B6、维生素C、维生素D3、维生素E、D-生物素、阿拉伯胶、刺槐豆胶、瓜尔豆胶、果胶 高酯果胶 低酯、海藻酸钠、黄原胶、结冷胶 低酰基结冷胶、聚丙烯酸钠、卡波姆
- 主营：瓷砖外墙、良好拉丝、水泥砂浆、醚化淀粉、惠广纤维素、速溶胶水粉、羧甲基纤维素、水溶聚酯颗粒
- 主营：羟丙基甲基纤维素、聚羧酸高效减水剂、F10高效减水剂、羟丙基淀粉醚、洗涤剂、凡士林、柠檬酸、乳胶粉、葡萄糖、减水剂、元明粉、防腐剂、渗透剂、叶面肥、防水剂、消泡剂、缓凝剂、填充剂、硅酸钠、水泥掺、添加剂、润滑剂、阳离子、茶皂素、十二烷基苯磺酸钠
- 主营：花生酸、碳酸钠、单氟磷酸钠、羟丙基淀粉醚、丁基羟基茴香醚、鱼大豆酵母原料
- 主营：黄血盐钾、黄血盐钠、氟化钾、羟丙基淀粉醚、氟化钠、氟硅酸铵、水杨酸钠、聚六亚甲基胍盐酸盐、黄丹粉、九水硫化钠、红丹粉、氢氧化钡、氧化铋、对甲苯磺酸、二氧化硒、三硫代碳酸钠、醋酸铅、氯化铅、还原铁粉、碱式碳酸铅、次磷酸、对二氯苄
- 主营：叔碳酸、十八醛、溶菌酶、羟乙基淀粉、海藻糖、癸二醇、氨基丙基、氢路噻嗪、邻苯二甲、乙基碳二、羟基癸酸、正十七烷、谷胱甘肽、烷二甲醇、松果体素、vc磷酸酯镁、2-甲基丁醛、朱栾倍半萜、丁烷四乙酸、表面活性剂、癸烷撑二醇、缩水甘油邻、10-羟基羊蜡酸、氢氯噻嗪杂质、盐酸邻菲罗啉、壳聚糖季铵盐
- 主营：杜仲素、对位酯、丙烯酸酯、羟丙基淀粉醚、二氧化硫脲、乙基麦芽酚、饲料添加剂、油酸基硬脂酸、二苯基硅二醇
- 主营：羟丙基淀粉醚、高铁酸钾
- 主营：优氯净、甘氨酸、切削液、羟丙基淀粉醚增稠剂、水杨酸、硫酸锰、平平加、滑石粉、牛磺酸、白僵菌、磷酸铁、铵明矾、蛋白胨、碳酸镁、磷酸铝、戊二醛、纤维素、硫化钠、硫化钡、黄蜂蜡、硫化钙、氯化锌、氯化锰、氧化锑、氧化锆、氧化锌
- 主营：白炭黑、白僵菌、eva乳液、羟丙基淀粉醚粘合剂、棕榈蜡、pvc发泡剂、聚碳酸酯、聚乙烯蜡、苯甲酸铵、t-31固化剂