Potato pulp: properties, physical modification and applications

Production of starch from potato has, as an undesired side-effect, the generation of huge amounts of a mass consisting of water, cell debris and intact starch cells (‘pulp’). Chemical analyses revealed the presence of starch, cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, free amino acids, oligopeptides, polypeptides and ashes. Part of the pulp can be used as cattle feed. Most of it has to be considered as an agricultural waste. Besides studies on identification and activities of bacteria and fungi contaminating the pulp, we developed an approach for a technical use of this waste material as a glue. The pulp is first autoclaved, then treated by pressure release, and finally dried into a fine-grain powder which can be stored at room temperature. Tests of applications as the sole glue, omitting any other glue such as glue based on formaldehyde-urea, for the production of particle and fibre boards, small containers, etc., have been successful.