Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Western Sydney, Hawkesbury, 1997. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 218-220).

The study presented here was firstly to investigate the physiochemical properties of native sago starch (obtained from Metroxylon sp. and designated as sago INA), in comparison with those of Metroxylon sago starch obtained from a different source, sago starch derived from Arenga sp. palms, wheat, corn, and tapioca starches. The properties analysed were chemical composition, total starch content, apparent amylose content, pasting properties, endothermic thermal behaviour, starch paste clarity, freeze-thaw stability, hardness of gel, and microscopic structure of the granules. The results obtained indicated that sago INA starch sample contained less fat and protein, compared to cereal starches. The sago starch sample had larger sized granules and had a more transparent paste. The gels of the starch were harder, and showed a relatively better stability to freeze-thaw treatment. The other part of the study was extrusion of sago INA starch both in the absence and presence of enzyme by utilising a response surface design. In the absence of the enzyme, the experiment was conducted to establish the extrusion process conditions including moisture contents, melt temperature, and screw speed. The extruded products were then analysed for degree of molecular degradation, light microscopic structure, reducing sugars of the water soluble materials, water absorption index, water solubility index, enzyme susceptibility, and gelatinisation endothermic energy. Increased mechanical and thermal energy input received by the products in the extruder resulted in a significant degradation of the molecular weight of the macromolecules. Light photomicrographs also suggested that the granule structures of the extrudates have been reshaped. All extrudate samples had a very low gelatinisation endothermic energy compared to its native starch. The specific mechanical energy received by the products in the extruder was calculated and related to the process variables. The possibility of using the products in food application was also discussed. / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)