Cassava Flour and Starch: Processing Technology and Utilization

This chapter describes the existing and emerging cassava processing technologies and utilization of cassava flour and starch. Fresh cassava roots are subjected to size reduction operations like chipping, mincing and grating to enhance subsequent unit operation like dewatering, drying, fermentation and starch extraction. Adhesives mainly used by the paper, textile and packaging industries are originally made from corn starch and imported to many developing economies. Modification of starch improves its industrial application and enhances its utilization as a substitute for fossil-derived resources. Modified starches find important applications in paper, textile and thermoplastic industries. The paper industry is the main user of modified starch; each tonne of paper requires 55 kg of starch. Cationic modified starch is widely used in large-scale paper industries to increase tensile fold and bursting strength of the paper.