Corn starch, in addition to its common culinary uses, has various industrial applications across different sectors. Here are some key industrial applications of corn starch:
1. **Paper Industry**:

? Corn starch is used in the paper industry as a sizing agent to improve the surface properties of paper. It helps control ink absorption, increase paper strength, and enhance print quality.
2. **Textile Industry**:

? In the textile industry, corn starch is used as a sizing agent to add stiffness and body to fabrics. It is applied to yarns and fabrics to improve weaving efficiency and reduce breakage during the weaving process.
3. **Adhesives**:

? Corn starch is a key ingredient in the production of adhesives, particularly in the manufacturing of paper products, corrugated cardboard, and envelopes. It is used as a binder to create strong and environmentally friendly adhesives.
4. **Biodegradable Plastics**:

? Corn starch is used in the production of biodegradable plastics, also known as bioplastics. It can be processed into various forms, such as bags, packaging materials, and food containers, as a sustainable alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics.
5. **Pharmaceuticals**:

? Corn starch is used in the pharmaceutical industry as an excipient in the formulation of tablets and capsules. It serves as a filler, binder, and disintegrant in pharmaceutical products.
6. **Food Industry**:

? Apart from culinary uses, corn starch is utilized in the food industry for various purposes, such as a thickening agent, stabilizer, and texturizer in processed foods, sauces, soups, and desserts.
7. **Personal Care Products**:

? Corn starch is used in the production of personal care products, such as cosmetics, talcum powders, and baby powders, for its absorbent properties. It helps to absorb moisture and reduce friction on the skin.
8. **Textile Sizing**:

? Corn starch is used in textile sizing to coat yarns and fabrics to improve their smoothness, stiffness, and abrasion resistance. It helps in the weaving process by reducing yarn breakage and increasing efficiency.
9. **Mining Industry**:

? Corn starch is sometimes used in the mining industry as a depressant in mineral flotation processes. It helps separate valuable minerals from unwanted gangue materials by selectively inhibiting the flotation of certain minerals.
These are just a few examples of the industrial applications of corn starch. Its versatility, biodegradability, and functional properties make it a valuable ingredient in various industries beyond the kitchen.