Abstract: Potato starch samples were radiated by 0, 4, 8, 10, 12, 16 kGy and 20 kGy 60Co-γ, respectively. The changes of starch granule morphology and the transparency, viscosity thermo-stability and viscosity cold-stability of starch paste were measured. After 60Co-γ radiation, the granular appearance of potato starch underwent little change, and the average size became smaller. The transparency, viscosity thermo-stability and viscosity cold-stability of potato starch paste increased while the peak viscosity revealed opposite changes. When the radiation dose was higher than 10 kGy, the peak viscosity, viscosity thermo-stability and viscosity cold-stability of potato starch tended to be stable. These results can provide a theoretical basis for producing modified potato starch. 

Key words: potato starch, radiation, granular appearance, viscosity