Synthesis and properties of thermoplastic propyl-etherified amylose

Amylose was etherified with 1-bromopropane in DMSO. The degree of substitution (DS) was varied by altering the feed ratio of 1-bromopropane. The structures of the products were characterized by IR and 1H-NMR spectroscopy. When the molar feed ratio of 1-bromopropane to hydroxyl groups of amylose was beyond 7.5, the hydroxyl groups were completely substituted with propyl ether groups. The etherified amylose with DS 1.9 showed a glass transition temperature (Tg), and that with DS 2.3 or 3.0 showed both Tg and melting temperature (Tm) (DS 3.0 means complete substitution). The etherification imparted melt processability and solubility in nonpolar organic solvent to amylose.