Process and apparatus for producing starch melt and products obtainable by this process

A process for the production of a homogeneous, thermoplastically processible starch melt comprising

• a. separate introduction of a chemically modified starch and at least one plasticizer, which has a melting point above 60.degree. C., into a first intake zone of an extruder, mixing and conveying said starch and said plasticizer through said intake zone to form a blend thereof,
• b. addition of a prehomogenized, anhydrous liquid mixture comprising an optional plasticizer, an emulsifier, and at least one additive, mixing and conveyance of said blend and said liquid mixture through a second receiving zone at a first elevated temperature to form a blended mixture thereof,
• c. destructurization, in a third destructurization zone, of said modified starch, conveyance of said blended mixture through said destructurization zone at a second elevated temperature without adding any water to form said homogeneous, thermoplastically processible starch melt,
• d. degassing of said melt and conveyance of said blended mixture through a fourth degassing zone at a third elevated temperature and reduced pressure to form a degassed melt, and
• e. extrusion of said melt through a die at a fourth elevated temperature and elevated pressure.