Some of the dielectric properties of starch

The dielectric constant and dielectric loss were determined for solid starch free of and contaminated with sodium chloride over a frequency range of 0.1–10 000 kc/s at temeperatures from 10 to 60°C. The results are compared with those of cellulosic fibers. At high frequency both starch and cellulosic fibres exhibit a dielectric dispersion and loss peak. The chain flexibility of starch has a decided effect on the locationof the peak. The low frequency absorption appears only when starch is contaminated with sodium chloride, which modifies the dielectric properties of the starch sample.