0000000000617943
AUTHOR
S. K. Sharma
Characterization of a sucrose/starch matrix through positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy: unravelling the decomposition and glass transition processes
The triplet state of positronium, o-Ps, is used as a probe to characterize a starch-20% w/w sucrose matrix as a function of temperature (T). A two-step decomposition (of sucrose, and then starch) starts at 440 K as shown by a decrease in the o-Ps intensity (I(3)) and lifetime (τ(3)), the latter also disclosing the occurrence of a glass transition. Upon sucrose decomposition, the matrix acquires properties (reduced size and density of nanoholes) that are different from those of pure starch. A model is successfully established, describing the variations of both I(3) and τ(3) with T and yields a glass transition temperature, T(g) = (446 ± 2) K, in spite of the concomitant sucrose decomposition…
Effect of water on glass transition in starch/sucrose matrices investigated through positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy: a new approach
Glass transition is studied through positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) in maize starch matrices containing 10 (batch STS10) and 20 (STS20) w/w% sucrose, as a function of temperature (T) and water content (c(w)). To circumvent important losses of water upon heating while recording the PALS spectra, a new method is developed: instead of a series of measurements of τ(3), the triplet positronium lifetime, at different T, the latter is kept constant and the series relates to c(w), which is left to decrease at a constant rate. Similarly to the changes in τ(3) with T, the τ(3)vs. c(w) plots obtained show a smooth linear increase until a break, denoting the occurrence of glass trans…