Oleaster (Elaeagnus Angustifolia L.) low-fibrous extract thermo-physical properties analyzing for spray drying application

Abstract

Nowadays, the processing of oleaster low-fibrous aqueous extract which avoids harmful substances and filters fibrous material, due to its emerging applications in nutritional and clinical sciences has attracted attention. In this paper, owing to the high reliance of properties on moisture and temperature, the extract was concentrated in eight levels of water content to investigate its thermophysical properties. The samples' density, viscosity, specific heat, thermal conductivity, and surface tension which play crucial roles in spray drying were measured and analyzed using standard procedures and instruments. Appropriate correlations are given for each property in terms of extract concentration and temperature. Also, it is addressed that for such extract as a complex fluid, the decomposition processes are active even at low temperatures, according to TGA. This activity was reduced by increasing the concentration and lowering the water content. Owing to its low glass transition temperature, its impact on the final powder and the necessity of mixing with different drying aids was highlighted. The findings of this research shine a light on the characteristics of OLFE as a complex fluid for further drying applications.