Fouling of model surfaces: adsorption and removal of whole unpasteurized milk

Abstract

The surface adsorption behaviour of whole unpasteurized milk at an open circuit platinum electrode has been investigated by dipping the electrode into fresh unprocessed milk thermostatted to temperatures over the range 299–363 K. Cyclic voltammetry was used to measure the charge density resulting from milk adsorption at the electrode surface after the electrode was transferred to an electrochemical cell containing phosphate buffer (pH 7·0, 0·33 m ionic strength). Removal of milk adsorbates was studied by measuring the current response during extended potential cycling in the phosphate buffer maintained at 273 K, 299 K and at the temperature of the milk. The results obtained suggest a possible treatment for and prevention of the fouling of surfaces resulting from the processing of milk.