Cyclic Tests of Wheat and Corn Starch Extrudates as Cushioning Materials

Abstract

Extrudates from wheat starch and corn starch, were compared with plastic foam under cyclic tests. Effects of the following factors on the three cushioning materials were examinedcrosshead speeds, force levels, and repeated compressions. The total energy absorption and energy absorption of each cycle were studied. The wheat starch extrudate had the most total energy absorption and energy absorption of each cycle. The corn starch extrudate was second, and the plastic foam had much lower energy absorption. All three materials had different responses to the crosshead speed. Wheat starch and corn starch extrudates had maximum energy absorptions at 200 and 100 mm/min (0.656 and 0.328 ft/min), respectively. Although the plastic foam displayed no significant trend, the crosshead speed did affect its energy absorption. Repeated compressions showed consistent effects on the materials, energy absorption was decreased significantly with each successive compression.