ARS | Publication request: A Resistance Technique for Measuring Moisture Content in Native Starches and Starch-Based Plasticized Materials

Submitted to: Carbohydrate Polymers
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: June 17, 2003
Publication Date: January 15, 2004
Citation: FINKENSTADT, V.L., WILLETT, J.L. A RESISTANCE TECHNIQUE FOR MEASURING MOISTURE CONTENT IN NATIVE STARCHES AND STARCH-BASED PLASTICIZED MATERIALS. CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS 55. 2004. P. 149-154.

Interpretive Summary: We have developed and validated a simple technique that allows the accurate determination of the moisture content of native starches and starch-based materials using direct-current conductance that conforms to established protocols. This technique can replace time-consuming methods based on weight loss using currently available technology and can be used to measure the moisture content of powders, pellets, or thin sheets. The accuracy of this technique is within acceptable error for a moisture content range of 10%-40% (wt/wt). This research will enable the development of electroactive matrices that can be used for biosensors and membranes

Technical Abstract: This technique allows the accurate prediction of the moisture content of native starch and starch-based materials using direct-current conductance that conforms to established protocols. The technique uses currently available technology and can be used to measure the moisture content of homogenous powders, pellets, or thin sheets. The range of moisture content studied was 1% to 40% (w/w). A second-order polynomial equation can be easily utilized to predict moisture content from the measured volume resistivity. The accuracy of the resistance technique is within acceptable error (less than 2%) for a moisture content range of 10%-40% (wt/wt).