Oil Absorption Research Articles

Tailoring Dynamic Chains of Cross‐Linked PDMS to Hinder Oil Penetration

AbstractPolydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is the most studied organosilicon polymer, finding broad applications in soft lithography of microfluidic devices, wearable electronics insulation, medical tubing, shielding coatings, and sealant elements. However, their cross‐linked forms swell severely in nonpolar oils due to the comparable solubility parameters. Here, an oil‐stable cross‐linked PDMS discovered by grafting flexible PDMS chains onto its polymeric networks is reported, which enables surface‐exposed chains with high dynamics. It is found that the synergetic effect of mobile nanopore filling and quasi‐liquid lubrication of PDMS brushes endows the cross‐linked matrix with a reduced oil absorption ratio of up to 91.7% without altering its surface composition. Moreover, stretching polymeric networks can be re‐arranged with an adequate grafting of PDMS chains, further enhancing the antipenetration performance. This discovery of the oil‐stable surface configuration of cross‐linked PDMS breaks the constraint of siloxane elastomers not being applicable in nonpolar soluble liquid, opening a new era of research in organosilicon chemistry.

A green and efficient method to prepare oleic acid–modified CaCO3/reHDPE composites

Industrial recycling of waste plastics frequently utilizes mechanical recovery and recycling. However, plastics recycled through mechanical recovery tend to have reduced properties, limiting their applications. In this study, modified calcium carbonate (OA-CaCO3) was prepared using different amounts of oleic acid (OA) (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 wt%). Infrared spectroscopic characterization showed OA was successfully adsorbed on the CaCO3 surface. Particle size, micromorphology, oil absorption value, and activation tests indicated that CaCO3 modified with 1.0 wt% OA yielded optimal results. Melt blending 1.0 wt% OA-modified CaCO3 with recycled high-density polyethylene (reHDPE) produced composites. Scanning electron microscopy results showed OA modification enhanced interfacial compatibility between the two phases. Mechanical property tests revealed at high filling levels, the impact strength of OA-modified composites increased considerably, reaching 42.6 kJ/m2 with 40 wt% OA-CaCO3 filling. Melt flow rate test results showed that OA-modified composites had increased melt flow and modified processing properties. Filling OA-CaCO3 to compensate for reHDPE properties caused by mechanical recycling is essential to expand mechanical recycling applications in plastics recycling.

Tailored Nanofibrous Polyimide-Based Membranes for Highly Effective Oil Spill Cleanup in Marine Ecosystems

Oil spills pose significant environmental threats to marine ecosystems and indirectly affect human health. They are often caused by tanker accidents and pipeline leaks. The persistence of hydrocarbons in the marine environment and their long-term ecological impacts necessitate efficient remediation strategies. Nanofibrous membranes made from polyimides with varying hydrophobicity present a promising solution for oil spill cleanup and oil/water separation. In this study, electrospun nanofibrous membranes were fabricated using 4,4'-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride (6FDA) combined with 3,5-diamino-2,4,6-trimethylbenzenesulfonic acid (TrMSA) and 2,3,5,6- tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine (TMPD) to produce bead-free nanofibers at optimized concentrations. These membranes exhibited hydrophobic characteristics and high oil absorption capabilities. The 6FDA-TMPD membrane achieved a maximum adsorption capacity of 76.50 ± 7.32 g g-1 for Varinca crude oil, while the 6FDA-TrMSA membrane reached 80.05 ± 6.60 g g-1. In comparison, the commercial 3M™ oil sorbent had a significantly lower capacity of 29.4 ± 3.8 g g-1 for the same oil. The nanofibrous membranes also demonstrated superior performance in adsorbing gasoline and diesel and maintained their effectiveness across multiple cycles, highlighting their potential to mitigate the environmental impact of oil spills.

Biomass-Based Sorbent with Superoleophilic from Ulva Prolifera for Oil Spill Cleanup

In this study, we demonstrate a new all bio-based adsorbent material by treating Enteromorpho prolifera (EP) fibers with tannic acid-ferric chloride complex and then grafting hydrophobic group octadecylamine. All raw materials are easily available, low-cost, and safe. The modified EP fibers have approximately 63.4 g g−1 of oil absorption and 1.4 g g−1 of water absorption, which is an 62.8% increase in oil absorption and an 82% increase in hydrophobicity over that of untreated EP fibers, respectively, exhibiting high hydrophobicity and oleophilicity. The affinity discrimination to water and oil enables hydrophobic algae candidate materials to separate oils and water efficiently, both in an oil–water mixture and a water-in-oil emulsion. In summary, the as-synthesized modified EP demonstrates a broad application prospect in the treatment of oil spill accidents and oily wastewater.

Effects of wheat gluten-soy protein ratios and moisture levels on high-moisture extruded meat analogues for burger patties.

In response to the growing demand for plant-based meat alternatives, this study explores the impact of incorporating wheat gluten (WG) into soy protein isolate (SPI) on both the proximate and functional properties of protein blends. The research also examines the effects of high moisture extrusion processing, varying feed moisture levels (60%, 65%, and 70%), and WG-SPI blends on extruder response, as well as the textural, rheological, and solubility characteristics of the resulting extruded meat analogues. Moreover, the prime objective was to gain insights into the impact of using HMMA made at different ratios and feed moisture levels on plant-based burgers. As the WG incorporation level increased in SPI, the RVA viscosity, water absorption, and oil absorption capacities, and foaming stability exhibited a decrease while foaming capacity increased. As feed moisture and WG incorporation levels in SPI increased, the system parameters, rheological, and textural parameters of high moisture extruded meat analogs decreased. WG25-SPI75 showed the highest degree of texturization or sulfide bonds, and its extruded meat analogues at 60% feed moisture level burger patties resemble a similar textural to a chicken burger patty. This study is pivotal in understanding how wheat gluten in SPIs and feeding moisture level influence the textural and rheology properties of HMMA.

Composition and polymerisation products influence on the viscosity of coal tar wash oil

Wash oil is a fraction obtained by the distillation of coal tar and is primarily used for the absorption of light oil from coke oven gas. During operation, the oil undergoes polymerization and loses some components, necessitating the removal of the used oil and its replacement with fresh wash oil. The rheological properties of the studied oils were determined using a Brookfield DV2T rotational controlled-shear rate rheometer. Gas chromatographic analysis, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, and IR spectroscopy were employed to evaluate the oil’s characteristics. By adding individual components to the wash oil, it was found that these components could be categorized into three groups: viscosity enhancers, viscosity reducers, and non-polar oil substances with medium molecular weight that have no significant effect on viscosity. The addition of relatively polar components with greater molecular weight and a planar, rigid structure leads to an increase in viscosity. Conversely, the incorporation of naphthalene and its methyl homologues, which have lower molecular weights, reduces viscosity by disrupting intermolecular interactions; their lower heats of crystallization also inhibit the formation of structured order in the liquid, further contributing to the reduction in viscosity. The most substantial increase in oil viscosity was observed with the addition of indene-coumarone resins, attributed to their high molecular weight and polymer structure.

STUDY OF THE POSSIBILITY OF USING WASTE EXTRACTED FROM THE PRODUCTION OF MINERAL WOOL TO REMOVE PETROLEUM PRODUCTS FROM AQUEOUS MEDIA

The physicochemical properties of waste from the production of mineral wool from gabbro-diabase as sorption materials for the removal of hydrocarbons from aqueous media were studied. The mineral and elemental compositions of gabbro-diabase powder and mineral wool based on it were determined by X-ray analysis. The values of the maximum oil and petroleum capacity in relation to the oils of the Devonian and carbon deposits, as well as industrial oils of the I-20A and I-40A brands and motor oil of the 5W-40 brand were determined. The effect of processing with an organosilicon liquid of the GKZH-11 brand on the oil capacity, water absorption and buoyancy of the sorption material under study was studied. It is shown that the treatment of fibrous waste from the production of mineral wool with a 1 % solution of siloxane liquid contributes to a significant decrease in water absorption and an increase in buoyancy and oil absorption when removing hydrocarbons from the water surface.

Evaluation of SMA-13 Asphalt Mixture Reinforced by Different Types of Fiber Additives

This research aims at systematically evaluating the properties of SMA-13 asphalt mixture reinforced by several fiber additives including flocculent lignin fiber (FLF), granular lignin fiber (GLF), chopped basalt fiber (CBF), and flocculent basalt fiber (FBF). Firstly, the thermal stability, moisture absorption, and oil absorption property of these fiber additives were analyzed. Secondly, the property of SMA-13 reinforced using four types of single fibers and two kinds of composite fibers (FLF + CBF and FLF + FBF) was comprehensively analyzed. Specifically, the high-temperature performance was evaluated using the uniaxial penetration test and the rutting test, the medium-temperature anticracking property was evaluated using the IDEAL-CT test, the low-temperature property was analyzed using the beam bending test, and the water stability was studied by the freeze–thaw splitting test. Thirdly, the dynamic mechanical response of different-fibers-modified SMA-13 was evaluated using the uniaxial compression dynamic modulus test. Finally, correlation analysis between the results of dynamic modulus and the high-, medium-, and low-temperature mechanical performance was carried out. The research results reveal that the stability of CBF and FBF under thermal action is better than that of GLF and FLF, and FBF shows the best thermal stability. The oil absorption property of FLF is better than that of GLF, followed by FBF and CBF. The comprehensive mechanical properties of CBF- and FBF-reinforced SMA-13 are better than those of FLF- and GLF-modified SMA-13. CBF can better reinforce the mechanical property of SMA-13 under low and medium temperature, while FBF can better reinforce the performance of SMA-13 at high temperature. FLF/CBF- and FLF/FBF-composite-modified SMA-13 show better high-temperature mechanical performance than that of the single-fiber-reinforced mixture, and FLF has some negative impact on the properties of FLF/FBF-composite-modified SMA-13 at low temperature. Fibers have no significant influence on the water stability of the mixtures. Meanwhile, the linear correlation between the mechanical performance of all the fiber-reinforced SMA-13 and the dynamic modulus result is good.

Study on the Characteristics of Fine Rice Flour by Micro-Crushing and Its Effects on the Quality Improvement of Rice Cakes

To investigate the impact of micro-crushing technology on rice flour characteristics and its enhancement of rice cake quality, resting angle, slip angle, solubility, water-holding capacity, emulsification, oil absorption, gelatinization, and baking quality, rice flour and rice cakes were analyzed using a texture analyzer and a gelatinization instrument. The results indicated that a decrease in particle size led to a significant increase in damaged starch from 18% to 26.5%. Both the resting angle and slip angle increased, indicating reduced fluidity. The gelatinization temperature decreased from 76.63 °C to 71.61 °C, the gelatinization time was reduced from 6.6 min to 6.4 min, and gelatinization viscosity initially increased and then decreased. Water-holding capacity increased 1.0-fold with decreased particle size, and solubility increased 11.6-fold together with the increase temperature. Emulsification and oil absorption were optimal when the particle size exceeded 120–140 mesh. The conductivity of the rice flour suspension rose with decreased particle size, while the conductivity of rice flour paste and cake batter decreased. Decreased particle size led to significantly reduced rice cake hardness and chewiness of 47.77% and 52.44%, while elasticity, restoration, specific volume, and porosity increased 18.75%, 15.15%, 31.16% and 25.10%, respectively. The skin and core color darkened with reduced luminosity, correlating with enhanced sensory scores. Correlation analysis revealed that physiochemical properties of rice flour influenced gelatinization properties, thereby affecting rice cake quality. This study provides a foundation for utilizing fine rice flour in rice cakes.

Ultralight SiO2 Nanofiber-Reinforced Graphene Aerogels for Multifunctional Electromagnetic Wave Absorber.

The high-efficiency utilization of two-dimensional (2D) graphene layers for developing durable multifunctional electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbing aerogels is highly demanded yet remains challenging. Here, renewable, low-density, high-strength, and large-aspect-ratio ceramic silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanofibers were efficiently prepared to assist in the preparation of ultralight yet robust, highly elastic, and hydrophobic graphene aerogels using facile, scalable freeze-drying followed by a carbonization approach. The ceramic nanofibers efficiently prevent the agglomeration of graphene and enhance interfacial interactions, significantly promoting mechanical strength. In addition to the high conduction loss capability derived from the interconnected graphene network, high interfacial polarization derived by abundant heterogeneous interfaces is accomplished for the three-dimensional (3D) hybrid aerogels. The hybrid aerogels thus showcase excellent EMW absorption performance, involving a minimum reflection loss of -74.5 dB at 1.8 mm and an effective absorption bandwidth of 5.7 GHz, comparable to those of the best EMW absorbers. Furthermore, the integration of one-dimensional SiO2 and 2D graphene into 3D hybrid aerogels enables remarkable photothermal antibacterial, photothermal oil absorption, and thermal insulation performances. This work thus provides a type of ultralight ceramic/graphene aerogel with a high-efficiency utilization of graphene for accomplishing high-performance multifunctional applications.

Starch and Protein Characteristics of Chestnut Flours and Their Applications in Gluten-Free Products.

In the context of valorizing underutilized crops, this study investigated the starch and protein characteristics of chestnut varieties (Balestrera and Rossera) and their potential for use at 15% and 25% in reformulating gluten-free baked snacks and fresh pasta. Chestnut varieties differ in protein and starch content (Balestrera > Rossera), as well as in amylose, dietary fiber, and lipids (Balestrera < Rossera). Differences in starch and amylose content affected starch gelatinization (Balestrera < Rossera), pasting and retrogradation properties, and water absorption capacity at 90 °C (Balestrera > Rossera). No differences in water and oil absorption capacity and mixing properties were observed, neither in the protein profile nor in the nature of protein aggregates. Both varieties exhibited a good aptitude for producing gluten-free baked snacks and fresh pasta, even at enrichment levels of 25%. Overall, this study could provide valuable information for the development of gluten-free products using sustainable, underutilized crops.

Evolution laws of charge mobility of transformer oil and pressboard material with temperature and electric field strength

Abstract Charge mobility, a pivotal parameter in the space charge analysis model for oil-pressboard insulation of converter transformer under DC electric fields, predominantly relies on theoretical or empirical data. The prevalent omission of empirical, measurement-based evaluations, combined with the neglect of temperature and electric field intensity effects, introduces uncertainties in the calculation of electric field and charge dynamics. Grounded on the principles of the electroacoustic pulse technique for space charge measurements, our investigation established a temperature-controlled platform to determine the charge-charge mobility in oil and pressboard insulation mediums. Utilizing diverse oil-pressboard insulation systems, this study identified the temporal patterns of both positive and negative charge mobilities and unravelled the mechanisms modulated by temperature and electric field intensity: 1) With increasing temperatures (from 20°C to 80°C) and intensifying electric field strengths (from 5kV/mm to 25kV/mm), the charge mobility within transformer oil and pressboard exhibits a rising trend. Notably, temperature variations exert the most significant influence, yielding amplifications up to 24.8 times. 2) The intrinsic properties of different transformer oils and oil-impregnated pressboards result in pronounced differences in their charge transport behaviours. Specifically, naphthenic-based oil demonstrates enhanced charge mobility relative to its paraffin-based counterpart. In contrast, transformer oils with higher kinematic viscosities exhibit diminished charge mobility compared to those with lower viscosities. 3) A linear relationship is observed between the oil absorption rate and electrical conductivity, aligning closely with the insulating pressboard's charge mobility. The evaluation of electric field and interface charge dynamics in oil-pressboard insulation under both DC and polarity-reversed conditions revealed that the electric field decay in naphthenic-based oil is more rapid than in paraffin-based oils. Moreover, both the magnitude and rate of interface charge accumulation in naphthenic-based oils exceed those in paraffin-based variants, further validating the accuracy of our charge mobility measurements and ensuing analysis.

Evaluation of Morphological, Physical and Functional Attributes of Agathi (Sesbania grandiflora) Leaves and Flowers

The study aimed to characterize the morphological, physical, and functional properties of agathi (Sesbania grandiflora) leaf and flower powders, highlighting their potential for food applications. Morphological assessments revealed that agathi leaves have an edible index of 76.20 ± 0.42 % and a waste index of 23.75 ± 0.65 %, while flowers showed an edible index of 63.79 ± 0.46% and a waste index of 36.21 ± 0.54 %. Physical properties showed that leaf powder had a higher bulk density (0.36 ± 0.02 g/cm³) and tapped density (0.59 ± 0.02 g/cm³) compared to flower powder (0.29 ± 0.03 g/cm³ and 0.48 ± 0.01 g/cm³, respectively). The flowability (Carr index) was slightly better for flower powder (40.24 ± 0.01 %) than for leaf powder (39.2 ± 0.01 %). Functional properties indicated that flower powder had significantly higher water absorption capacity (597.28 ± 1.22 %) and oil absorption capacity (224.21 ± 1.56%) compared to leaf powder (315.30 ± 1.28 % and 183.16 ± 1.34 %, respectively). Flower powder also exhibited greater solubility (28.77 ± 2.66 %) versus leaf powder (12.92 ± 1.59 %). These results suggest that both agathi powders are valuable ingredients for food formulations, providing functional and nutritional benefits, and are suitable for use in developing, handling, and packaging functional food products.

Preparation of Superhydrophobic and Multifunctional Sponges for Oil/Water Separation and Oil Absorption.

For settling the recycling problem of waste polyurethane sponges (PU) and environment pollution of oil spills simultaneously, this work exploited the multifunctional superhydrophobic PU materials via the dip-coating method, which were prepared by anchoring modified Fe3O4 and expandable graphite (EG) on PU sponges under the adhesion effect of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The water contact angle and sliding angle of as-prepared PU sponges reached 154.1 ± 1.6 and 8°, respectively. Most importantly, the superhydrophobic PU sponges were endowed with the multipath oil treatment ability, which consisted of magnetically driven, gravity-driven, peristaltic pump-driven, and photothermally driven modes. Besides, the light oil absorption capacity, separation flux, and efficiency for superhydrophobic PU sponges reached 23.9 g/g, 27779 L m-2 h-1, and 99.5%, respectively. Owing to the photothermal conversion ability of Fe3O4 and EG, the temperature of superhydrophobic PU sponges was raised to 71.5 °C within 233 s under 1.2 solar irradiation (1200 W/m2), demonstrating its absorption potential for high-viscosity crude oils. In addition, the prepared sponges exhibited good chemical/mechanical stability, self-cleaning, and flame retardancy. In a nutshell, this article has evolved an environmentally benign and practical method for fabricating the multifunctional materials in oil spill treatment, which will efficiently accomplish the targets of low carbon and environmental management.

Pecan (Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch) nuts as an emerging source of protein: extraction, physicochemical and functional properties.

The increasing demand for sustainable alternatives to traditional protein sources, driven by population growth, underscores the importance of protein in a healthy diet. Pecan (Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch) nuts are currently underutilized as plant-based proteins but hold great potential in the food industry. However, there is insufficient information available on pecan protein, particularly its protein fractions. This study aimed to explore the physicochemical and functional properties of protein isolate and the main protein fraction glutelin extracted from pecan nuts. The results revealed that glutelin (820.67 ± 69.42 g kg-1) had a higher crude protein content compared to the protein isolate (618.43 ± 27.35 g kg-1), while both proteins exhibited amino acid profiles sufficient for adult requirements. The isoelectric points of protein isolate and glutelin were determined to be pH 4.0 and pH 5.0, respectively. The denaturation temperature of the protein isolate (90.23 °C) was higher than that of glutelin (87.43 °C), indicating a more organized and stable conformation. This is further supported by the fact that the protein isolate had a more stable main secondary structure than glutelin. Both proteins demonstrated improved solubility, emulsifying, and foaming properties at pH levels deviating from their isoelectric points in U-shaped curves. Compared to the protein isolate, glutelin displayed superior water and oil absorption capacity along with enhanced gelling ability. The protein isolate and glutelin from pecan nuts exhibited improved stability and competitive functional properties, respectively. The appropriate utilization of these two proteins will support their potential as natural ingredients in various food systems. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Unveiling the synergistic effect of octenyl succinic anhydride and pulsed electric field on starch nanoparticles

In this study, guinea starch nanoparticles (GSNP) were prepared by nanoprecipitation technique and modified with octenyl succinic anhydride (3 %) and pulsed electric field (1.5, 3.0, and 4.5 kV/cm). The effect of dual modification on the physicochemical, structural, morphological, thermo-pasting, and rheological properties of GSNP was investigated. The dual modification successfully incorporated octenyl groups into GSNP, as confirmed by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The degree of substitution increased from 0.0254 to 0.0347, with particle size ranging from 241.30 to 292.50 nm and zeta potential of −23.11 to −29.98 mV. TEM micrographs revealed that all SNP samples had self-aggregated granules with a mean size below 120 nm, and XRD confirmed a V-type crystalline structure. The amylose content and water absorption capacity decreased from 34.02 % to 24.63 % and from 2.45 to 1.91 g/g, respectively, while the oil absorption capacity and relative crystallinity increased from 3.42 to 4.01 g/g and from 17.82 % to 34.76 %, with modification. The gelatinization and degradation temperature of modified samples were higher while pasting properties exhibited variation with modification. The rheological properties of modified SNP samples exhibited more pronounced shear thinning, attributed to their weaker gel structure and fluid-like gel network. Overall, results suggested that modified GSNPs have potential for stabilizing Pickering emulsion and delivery of carrier materials for active functional substances.

Multifunctional superhydrophobic sugarcane bagasse capable of efficiently separating oil-water mixtures and degrading MB

Biodegradable and low-cost superhydrophobic absorption materials are still urgently required for the removal of organic compounds from sewage. In this study, sugarcane bagasse (SCB), an abundant and readily available byproduct from sugarcane industries, was used as substrate to fabricate the superhydrophobic adsorbent through a facile dip-coating technique. Firstly, β-FeOOH particles were in-situ grown on the SCB surface, which was further decorated with SiO2 particles. Next, the modified SCB were coated with benzoxazine based on cardanol and dodecylamine (CD) followed by a thermal curing to obtain a superhydrophobic SCB (PC-D/β-FeOOH@SiO2/SCB) with a water contact angle (WCA) of 154°. PC-D/β-FeOOH@SiO2/SCB not only exhibited excellent oil absorption capacities in the range of 11.8 to 22.6 g/g for various organic solvents and oils, but also could successfully separate immiscible oil-water mixtures and emulsions with a separation efficiency of over 99.1 %. After 30 cycles of use, the absorption capacity of the modified SCB only displayed a slight decrease and its separation efficiencies for immiscible oil-water mixture, water-in-oil and oil-in-water emulsions are all more than 99.2 %, meanwhile, all these repeatedly used SCB still maintained a superhydrophobicity, demonstrating an outstanding reusability. Moreover, the WCA of PC-D/β-FeOOH@SiO2/SCB was still higher than 150o after 48 h of immersion in HCl, NaOH and NaCl solutions, exhibiting a satisfactory chemical stability. Besides, the prepared SCB also possessed a high photocatalytic degradation activity to methylene blue. Therefore, this work not only provides a sustainable and cheap superhydrophobic absorbent for wastewater treatment, but also presents a route for the better utilization of SCB.

Fabrication, characterization, and fat substitution application in chocolate spreads of methyl cellulose and xanthan gum foam-templated oleogels.

Food-grade oleogels were prepared by lyophilizing the foam-template of methyl cellulose (MC) and xanthan gum (XG). The cryogels prepared using MC exhibited low density, high porosity and firmness, as well as high oil absorption capacity (OAC) and oil binding capacity (OBC). Furthermore, the addition of XG improved properties of cryogels. As the concentrations of MC and XG were incremented, notable enhancements in the cryogels' density and firmness were observed, accompanied by a corresponding decrease in porosity. Upon attaining MC concentration of 1.2 % and XG concentration of 0.3 %, the OBC of the cryogels surpassed 90 %. SEM images revealed that the cryogels possessed a dense and highly uniform porous network structure. Furthermore, oleogels formulated using the higher viscosity variant of MC (designated as MC3) exhibited greater firmness and apparent viscosity, resulting in the formation of a robust network structure that demonstrated excellent thermal stability. The incorporation of oleogels into chocolate spreads significantly enhanced textural and rheological characteristics, while simultaneously decreasing their enthalpy of crystallization. Notably, the partial substitution of these oleogels in the spreads yielded a crystalline morphology that was indistinguishable from those prepared solely with saturated fats, indicating a successful integration and preservation of desirable structural attributes.

White cabbage waste powder improves gluten-free rice-based breadsticks functional and nutritional characteristics

Fruit and vegetable industrialization generates large amounts of organic residues abundant in bioactive compounds. In the present work, white cabbage powders (WCP) were used to partially replace rice flour (5, 10, 20 and 30% w/w) in the formulation of gluten-free breadsticks. Physicochemical (moisture content, water and oil absorption capacity), pasting, and antioxidant properties (reducing sugars, total phenols and DPPH scavenge ability) were evaluated in flour blends. Breadsticks quality was evaluated by analysing dough rheology, physicochemical (aw, colour, texture) and antioxidant properties. Water and oil absorption capacities improved with WCP addition, whereas pasting properties worsened. Dynamic oscillatory tests revealed that WCP incorporation increased G’ and G’’ values. Colour attributes were also significantly modified with WCP addition, whereas breadsticks hardness reduced compared to control formulation. Nutritional properties of breadsticks improved with WCP addition, as deduced from the better antioxidant characteristics obtained for both blends and breadsticks, when vegetable powders were added. In conclusion, this study reveals that WCP can be suggested as functional food ingredient to increase the nutritional properties of new, rice-based gluten-free breadsticks.

Effects of photooxidation exposure time on the modification of cassava starch: a comprehensive study on chemical, functional, structural, and morphological properties

Photooxidation is one of the green technologies that can be used to modify starch. This process produces oxidized starch which induces alterations in the starch structure and functional properties. Photooxidation of starch can be influenced by hydrogen peroxide concentration, exposure time, slurry concentration, ultraviolet (UV) intensity, addition of lactic acid, and temperature. This study aims to evaluate the effect of photooxidation exposure time on the chemical, functional, structural, and morphological properties of cassava starch. Cassava starch was modified using a UV catalysator reactor and treated with photooxidation using a combination of hydrogen peroxide and UV irradiation for 15, 30, and 45 min. The result showed that the longer exposure time produced starch with higher amylose, carboxyl contents, solubility, water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity, and color L*. Moreover, the longer time of the photooxidation process caused a decrease in the pH value, swelling power, and pasting properties. Photooxidation decreased the relative crystallinity values and damaged the granule morphology of the modified cassava starch. These results showed that photooxidation successfully modified cassava starch.