Cornstarch as a Sustainable Polymeric Material for Industrial and Chemical Applications: A Review

Authors

  • Goodluck Chimezie-Azubuike Givanas Industry Nigeria Limited

Keywords:

Corn Starch, Biopolymer, Modified Starch, Sustainable materials, Industrial Chemistry, Pharmaceautical excipient

Abstract

Abstract

Cornstarch is a biodegradable and renewable biopolymer derived from the endosperm of maize (Zea mays L.). Due to its low cost, abundance, non-toxicity, and versatile physicochemical properties, cornstarch has gained considerable industrial importance in food processing, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, soap manufacturing, paper production, and construction industries. Cornstarch is mainly composed of amylose and amylopectin polysaccharides, which contribute to its thickening, stabilizing, moisture-absorbing, adhesive, and film-forming properties. Native cornstarch exhibits several industrial limitations including low thermal stability, retrogradation tendency, and restricted solubility, thereby encouraging the development of modified starch technologies. This review discusses the production, chemical structure, physicochemical properties, and industrial applications of native and modified cornstarch. Particular emphasis is placed on the applications of cornstarch in soap manufacturing, food systems, pharmaceutical formulations, paper processing, and concrete technology. The importance of cornstarch as an environmentally sustainable biopolymer in green chemistry and industrial manufacturing is also highlighted. The review concludes that cornstarch remains one of the most promising renewable polymeric materials for future industrial and technological developments.

Keywords: Cornstarch, Biopolymer, Modified starch, Sustainable materials, Industrial chemistry, Pharmaceutical excipient, Green chemistry.

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Published

2026-07-01

How to Cite

Chimezie-Azubuike, G. (2026). Cornstarch as a Sustainable Polymeric Material for Industrial and Chemical Applications: A Review. INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY, 51, 39–46. Retrieved from https://petsd.org/ojs/index.php/irjc/article/view/1920

Issue

Vol. 51 (2026): 1ST JULY 2026... ISSN 2321 – 2845 (Online)......ISSN 2321 – 3299 (Print)

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY

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