Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a starch-based composition, characterised in that it comprises: (a) mixing a starch substrate with sodium perborate; (b) adding water to the mix of step (a) to form a slurry; and (c) pasting the slurry of step (b), provided that the method does not include, between steps (b) and (c), the step of adding an effective amount of hydrolytic enzyme to the slurry. The invention further relates to starch-based compositions prepared in accordance with said method, paper sizing and/or coating compositions comprising said starch-based compositions and paper products treated with said sizing and/or coating compositions.

Abstract: A method of modifying starch or starch derivatives comprising: introducing a continuous flow of starch substrate, gas and, optionally, one or more reagents, into a reactor, wherein the starch substrate has a moisture content between 0 and 45% by weight, a residence time in the reactor of between 1 and 60 minutes and is heated to between 50 and 220° C., characterised in that the starch substrate and the gas are introduced into the reactor in opposing directions and in that the reactor has a tubular body comprising a rotating shaft upon which is disposed one or a plurality of blades.