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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Plant Polymer Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #301187
Title: Improved zein articles using polyethylenemaleic anhydride

Author
item Selling, Gordon
item Byars, Jeffrey
item Utt, Kelly

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/15/2014
Publication Date: 5/24/2014
Citation: Selling, G.W., Byars, J.A., Utt, K.D. 2014. Improved zein articles using polyethylenemaleic anhydride. Meeting Abstract.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Developing corn protein (zein) articles with improved physical properties and solvent resistance will have a beneficial impact on companies that use corn. The effect of using the crosslinking reagent polyethylenemaleic anhydride (PEMA) on the properties and solubility of zein articles were studied. Solution reactions were carried out in dimethylformamide solution where the concentration of PEMA was varied between 0 and 9%. The rheological properties were studied in order to determine kinetic information concerning the reaction of PEMA with zein. Solution concentration, PEMA concentration and temperature were varied and their impact on gelation time and modulus with time was evaluated. After reaction at room temperature poured films were prepared and the physical and solubility properties of the zein-PEMA formulations were determined. The reaction of PEMA and zein was also carried out in the melt state using batch or reactive extrusion techniques. Compression molded articles were produced and the physical and solubility properties were determined where the amount of PEMA and processing conditions were varied.