(Collaborative Project: Nuclear Malaysia, Sterilgamma, Phillips Hydrocolloid Research Laboratory UK)

Sago starch, an important agricultural commodity of Malaysia, can be radiation modified to improve its functionality, diversify its applications and increase value added sago products. In this study, modification is achieved using ionizing radiation in the presence of a mediating gas. This process allows natural polymers to be cross-linked in the solid state. The potential, therefore, for producing new and novel sago composites with improved/new physical and chemical properties such as emulsification and water binding is considerable and will be explored.

Contact Person: Dr Zainon Othman (zainon@nuclearmalaysia.gov.my)