Improving the structure and properties of whey protein emulsion gel using soluble interactions with xanthan and basil seed gum.

Applying hydrocolloids in the structure of protein emulsion gel can improve its properties. Interaction of whey protein concentrate (WPC) (5%) with xanthan gum (XG) and basil seed gum (BSG) at different concentrations (0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6%) was investigated to improve mechanical and structural properties of emulsion gel. Results illustrated that gums created a stronger structure around the oil droplets, which confocal images approved it. Also, the particle size decreased and uniformed by cooperating 0.6% gum in comparison with WPC (46.87 µm). The lowest and highest hardness values were observed in emulsion gel formed by WPC (1.27 N) and 0.6BSG: WPC (3.03 N), respectively. Also, the increase of gum concentration had a positive on consistency parameter of texture, so the value was 11.48 N s in WPC emulsion gel and it reached 0.6BSG: WPC (25.71 N s) and 0.6XG: WPC (19.96 N s). Evaluating the stability of the treatments by centrifugation indicated that 0.6BSG: WPC (89.10%) and 0.6XG: WPC (74%) had the highest level of stability. Increasing gum concentration increased the consistency and viscosity. Also, the viscoelastic properties of emulsion gel improved by 0.6% BSG. The elastic modulus of the WPC, 0.6XG: WPC, and 0.6BSG: WPC emulsion gels at the same frequency (1 Hz) was 240.90, 894.59, and 1185.61 Pa, respectively. In general, the interaction of WPC solution with hydrocolloids, especially BSG, is suggested to prepare more stable and elastic emulsion gels.

Development of Bio-Based Materials: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications.

The need to find suitable biomaterials and procedures from alternative products able to imitate or even enhance the performance of currently used products has become an important focus of research today due to the depletion of non-renewable resources and the increasing concern related to climate change, sustainability and environmental preservation [...].

Preparation, Characterization and Mechanical Properties of Bio-Based Polyurethane Adhesives from Isocyanate-Functionalized Cellulose Acetate and Castor Oil for Bonding Wood.

Nowadays, different types of natural carbohydrates such as sugars, starch, cellulose and their derivatives are widely used as renewable raw materials. Vegetable oils are also considered as promising raw materials to be used in the synthesis of high quality products in different applications, including in the adhesive field. According to this, several bio-based formulations with adhesion properties were synthesized first by inducing the functionalization of cellulose acetate with 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate and then mixing the resulting biopolymer with a variable amount of castor oil, from 20% to 70% (wt). These bio-based adhesives were mechanically characterized by means of small-amplitude oscillatory torsion measurements, at different temperatures, and standardized tests to evaluate tension loading (ASTM-D906) and peel strength (ASTM-D903). In addition, thermal properties and stability of the synthesized bio-polyurethane formulations were also analyzed through differential scanning calorimetry and thermal gravimetric analysis. As a result, the performance of these bio-polyurethane products as wood adhesives were compared and analyzed. Bio-polyurethane formulations exhibited a simple thermo-rheological behavior below a critical temperature of around 80⁻100 °C depending on the castor oil/cellulose acetate weight ratio. Formulation with medium castor oil/biopolymer weight ratio (50:50 % wt) showed the most suitable mechanical properties and adhesion performance for bonding wood.