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VOL. 9, ISSUE 2 (2025)
Synthesis and characterization of nitrostarch from jackfruit seed starch, a renewable energy source
Authors
Darshan V M
Abstract
The development of sustainable energetic
materials is a huge challenge in propellant and pyrotechnic research.
Conventional oxidizers such as nitrocellulose and perchlorates, are effective
but create environmental and safety concerns [1]. Starch offers a
natural and renewable alternative that can be chemically modified to form
energetic derivatives. In this work starch was isolated from jackfruit seed
(Artocarpus heterophyllus) an abundant and underutilized agricultural
byproduct, and converted into nitrated starch using concentrated nitric acid
and concentrated sulfuric acid at low temperature (0-5 0C). The
product was washed with ice cold water, neutralized with sodium bicarbonate and
recrystallized from ethyl acetate to obtain the purified compound. Nitration
was confirmed by color tests, like diphenylamine test and diazotization test.
Structural analysis was performed using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy
(FTIR) and Liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS). The nitrated starch
showed rapid burning, indicating its energetic behavior. These results
demonstrate that jackfruit seed starch can be successfully modified into an
energetic biopolymer. This study highlights the possibility of converting
jackfruit seed starch into a nitrated derivative, establishing a foundation for
future investigations into renewable nitrate-based materials.
Pages:74-78
How to cite this article:
Darshan V M "Synthesis and characterization of nitrostarch from jackfruit seed starch, a renewable energy source". International Journal of Chemical Science, Vol 9, Issue 2, 2025, Pages 74-78
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