The effect rules of MgCl and NaCl on the properties of potato starch: The inflection point phenomenon.

The effects of MgCl and NaCl concentrations on potato starch were analysed. With an increase in MgCl and NaCl concentrations from 0 to 4 mol/L, the gelatinisation properties, crystalline properties, and sedimentation rate of potato starch all showed a trend of rising first and then falling (or falling first and then rising). The inflection points of the effect trends were observed at 0.5 mol/L. This inflection point phenomenon was further analysed. At higher salt concentrations, starch granules were found to absorb external ions. These ions enhance the hydration of starch molecules and promote starch gelatinisation. When NaCl and MgCl concentrations were increased from 0 to 4 mol/L, the starch hydration strength increased 52.09 and 65.41 times, respectively. At lower salt concentrations, the ions that naturally exist in starch granules seep out of the granules. The exudation of these ions may cause a certain degree of damage to the native structure of starch granules.