Compressive strength and resiliency describe the mechanical integrity of the foam. Compressive strength of the
lab-scale specimens was measured on a UTS tensile testing machine. Foam specimens were securely fastened lengthwise
and compressed by a steel probe (0.635 cm diameter) with a hemi-spherical end-cap. By lowering the piston to the foam
surface, an initial load of 0.5 N was applied on the specimen for approximately 5 s. From this point, the probe was lowered
at a rate of 30 mm/min for a distance of 3 mm. The maximum load was recorded. After 60 s had elapsed, a relaxation load
was recorded. Compressive strength was determined by dividing the maximum load by the cross-sectional area of the
probe. Resiliency is the percentage of the compressive force after the 60 s hold period divided by the maximum force
required to compress the foam by 3 mm. Averages were calculated from five sets of starch foam specimens.