Formation Of Network Structure Research Articles

Synthesis of MNS@PDMS Emulsion for Enhancing Hydrophobicity in Cementitious Materials with Limited Strength Loss

Developing hydrophobic agents that minimize the strength loss of bulk hydrophobic cementitious materials (BHCM) remains a formidable challenge. Substances such as siloxanes can hinder cement mineral hydration and prevent the formation of an initial network structure during the early hydration stages. In this study, a novel hydrophobic emulsion in which polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) wrapped with modified nano silica (MNS) is designed to enhance the hydrophobic property of cementitious materials while minimizing strength loss. The results show that BHCM exhibits good hydrophobicity (water contact angle 121.8°) while significantly reducing strength loss (decreased by 10.3%). The presence of MNS effectively shields PDMS from direct contact with cement minerals during the initial stages. Moreover, MNS can react with portlandite (CH) to generate C-S-H phase and optimize the pore structure of hardened cement pastes. This study contributes to promoting the structure-function integration of cement composites and achieving an extended service life for concrete.

Effects of interaction between wheat bran dietary fiber and gluten protein on gluten protein aggregation behavior.

Effects of wheat bran dietary fiber (WBDF) as a nutritional additive on flour products quality mainly depends on the interaction between WBDF and gluten protein. In this study, the effects and mechanisms of WBDF with different particle sizes and additive amounts on gluten protein aggregation behavior were investigated. The results showed that the addition of WBDF led to a decrease in free sulfhydryl content, particle size, molecular weight and gluten macromer (GMP) content, an increase in zeta potential and SDS-extractable protein content, and a deterioration in the gluten network morphology compared to the control group, suggesting that the aggregation behavior of gluten protein was inhibited. When WBDF was added at 3 % and 6 %, dilution effect, mechanical shear, steric hindrance, and non-covalent binding were the main mechanisms leading to depolymerization. Further addition of WBDF (9 %, 12 %) inhibited the depolymerization of gluten protein due to competitive hydration and non-covalent binding. However, when WBDF was added at 15 %, the dilution effect, mechanical shear and steric hindrance of WBDF (88 μm < particle size<150 μm) dominated, and their inhibitory of aggregation induced the formation of a loose gluten network structure. In contrast, the weaker mechanical shear and steric hindrance effects of WBDF (particle size<88 μm) mitigated the degradation of gluten network structures by WBDF.

Oxytocin in Human Social Network Cooperation.

Human society is organized in structured social networks upon which large-scale cooperation among genetically unrelated individuals is favored and persists. Such large-scale cooperation is crucial for the success of the human species but also one of the most puzzling challenges. Recent work in social and behavioral neuroscience has linked human cooperation to oxytocin, an evolutionarily ancient and structurally preserved hypothalamic neuropeptide. This review aims to elucidate how oxytocin promotes nonkin cooperation in social networks by reviewing its effects at three distinct levels: individual cooperation, the formation of interpersonal relationships, and the establishment of heterogeneous network structures. We propose oxytocin as a proximate mechanism for fostering large-scale cooperation in human societies. Specifically, oxytocin plays an important role in facilitating network-wide cooperation in human societies by 1) increasing individual cooperation, mitigating noncooperation motives, and facilitating the enforcement of cooperative norms; 2) fostering interpersonal bonding and synchronization; and 3) facilitating the formation of heterogeneous network structures.

Mutual feedback and fracturing effect of hydraulic fractures in composite coal−rock reservoirs under different fracturing layer sequence conditions

Multistage fractures in different reservoirs exhibit competitive extension and mutual feeding mechanisms under different fracturing sequence conditions. To better understand these mechanisms for a more efficient extraction of mine gases, a combination of true triaxial physical tests and numerical simulation was performed in this study. The expansion process of hydraulic fractures in different layers and the comprehensive effect of fracturing were analyzed. The directional deflection effect of the induced stress field on the hydraulic fractures can be summarized as follows. In terms of their behavioral pattern, the fractures in the rock seam extended “in the direction of maximum geo-stress and then deflected toward the interface.” The fracture behavior in the coal seams could be divided into two patterns: “deflection toward the interface and then extension along the direction of maximum geo-stress” and “deviation from the interface and then extension along the direction of maximum geo-stress.” The mutual feedback between the fractures manifested in the form of fracture “phase direction” in the case of stratified fracturing and “phase back” in the case of simultaneous fracturing, i.e., the fracture behaviors in the rock seams and in the first type of coal seams were promoted whereas the fracture behavior was inhibited in the second type of coal seams. In addition, the second fracturing process could be characterized by an increase in the fracture initiation pressure, a decrease in the rate of pressure drop, an increase in the fracture extension duration, and a decrease in the fracture width. When using a fracturing sequence of rock followed by coal, the formation of the seam network structure was found to be more favorable. When using a fracturing sequence of coal followed by rock, it was necessary to continue the injection of the hydraulic fluid into the first fracture during the second fracturing process, so as to obtain a higher fracturing yield. This research provides a certain theoretical support for the efficient co-exploitation of three gases, namely coalbed methane, tight gas, and shale gas, from coal composite reservoirs and in the prevention of gas disasters.

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.

A method for improving the gelation properties and 3D printing performance of reduced-sodium chicken breast paste: The addition of tiger nut protein, transglutaminase, and calcium chloride

This study investigated the effects of tiger nut protein (TNP) (4%), transglutaminase (TG) (0.5%), and calcium chloride (CaCl2) (1.5%) on the gelling properties and 3D printability of reduced-sodium chicken breast paste, which contained 0.3% sodium chloride (NaCl). Compared with the control group, the addition of TNP-TG-CaCl2 increased the gel's hardness from 833.5 g to 1544.7 g, improved the water-holding capacity (WHC) by 2.4%, reduced the cooking loss (CL) by 2.3%, and enhanced the printing accuracy by 10.3%. Structural and rheological analysis indicated that the physical filling effect of TNP, the enhancement of protein interactions by TG, which includes increased hydrophobic interactions and disulfide bonds, along with the alteration of protein structure from α-helix to β-sheet, and the aggregation effect of Ca2⁺ during gel formation process, are the key factors that contribute to the formation of a dense network structure during gel formation, and help to improve the gel performance and 3D printing suitability of reduced-sodium chicken mince. Results of correlation analysis between the structure, gel performance and 3D printing performance indicate that the hydrophobic interactions are mostly responsible for the gel performance and 3D printing performance, and there exists a strong correlation between gel hardness, WHC and the 3D printing performance of the meat slurry. Collectively, gels with appropriate hardness and WHC may have the favorable printing adaptability, and the combined use of TNP, TG, and CaCl2 is an effective way to enhance the 3D printing precision and gel texture of low-sodium meat slurry.

Hydrogel network formation triggers atypical hygroscopic behavior in atmospheric aerosols

The phase state of atmospheric aerosol particles, dictated by composition, intermolecular interaction, size, and pH, profoundly impacts climate, human health, and air quality. Herein, the phase behavior of internally mixed sodium bitartrate (SBT) and ammonium sulfate (AS) aerosols with equal molar ratio was studied using microscopic imaging, confocal Raman and infrared spectroscopy. We observed atypical phase transition during hygrosopic cycles. On dehydration, micro-solids formed at relative humidity (RH) of 80.1 % without further efflorescence, namely limited efflorescence (LE). On hydration, droplets effloresced at 39.8 % RH and deliquesced at 68.8 % RH, referred as efflorescence on hydration (EH). Raman spectra show that Na2SO4 solids form during LE, while both Na2SO4 and (NH4)2SO4 solids form during EH. The phase transition of the SBT/AS (1:1) droplets is size-dependent, where smaller droplets are prone to “EH” while larger droplets are prone to typical efflorescence. Combining AIOMFAC-VISC viscosity predictions with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, we attribute the “LE” and “EH” phenomena to the formation of an ion-organic hydrogel network structure within droplets. pH and organic/inorganic mixing ratios can collaboratively affect the stability of hydrogel network by changing the organic/inorganic mixing ratios. Our study shows that gel network formation can cause atypical phase transition in atmospheric aerosols.

Superhydrophobic coating in cement mortar via inherent microstructure for enhanced efflorescence resistance

Efflorescence is commonly recognized as asignificant issue in cement-based exterior walls, which is caused by the presence of free water that is capable of dissolving soluble ions. The existing techniques for waterproofing suffer from problems related to inadequate adhesion and instability. This study introduce innovative superhydrophobic coating for cement mortar that enhances its efflorescence resistance. By utilizing the microstructure of cement mortar to create a layered roughness on the surface, the mortar surface was enriched with a pVA-siloxanehydrophobic emulsion, resulting in the formation of a three-dimensional network structure with Si-0-Si as the skeleton. So the superhydrophobic cement mortar is created by the dual effects of low surface energy and a rough texture. This unique structure achieves a contact angle of 150 ± 0.5°, creating a highly water-resistant surface. Durability tests confirm that the superhydrophobic properties are maintained under extreme conditions. XRD analysis and ion leaching tests show a significant reduction in Ca2⁺, Na⁺, and K⁺ concentrations compared to untreated samples, highlighting the coating's ability to prevent efflorescence. This method provides a promising solution for protecting cement-based exterior walls in construction.

A Novel Gelatin Binder with Helical Crosslinked Network for High-Performance Si Anodes in Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Silicon(Si) is a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries, but its large volume expansion during cycling poses a challenge for the binder design. In this study, a novel gelatin binder is designed and prepared with a helical crosslinked network structure. This gelatin binder is prepared by enzymatic crosslinking and immersion in Hofmeister salt solution, which induces the formation of network and helical secondary structures. The helical crosslinked network structure can be analogous to a spring group system to effectively dissipate the stress and strain caused by the Si expansion. The gelatin binder is further partially carbonized by low-temperature pyrolysis, which improves its conductivity and stability. The Sianode with the optimized gelatin binder exhibits high initial coulombic efficiency, excellent rate performance, and long-term cycling stability. This study provides an innovative approach for the preparation of high-performance Si anodes, namely by controlling the molecular configuration of the binder to significantly improve the cycle stability, which can also be applied to other high-capacity anode materials that suffer from large volume changes during cycling.

Effects of sodium chloride on the textural attributes, rheological properties, microstructure, and 3D printing performance of rice starch-curdlan composite gel

This study explores the impact of varying concentrations of salt ions (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, and 12.5 mmol) on the physicochemical properties and 3D-printing performance of rice starch-curdlan composite gel. The relationship between gel structure, properties, printability, and printing accuracy was clarified through the evaluation of each parameter. The inclusion of an appropriate concentration of NaCl positively influenced the properties and printing characteristics of the composite gel. Specifically, a NaCl concentration of 7.5 mmol yielded the highest printing performance, achieving 98.61 % accuracy. Microstructural analysis indicates that the addition of ions promoted the formation of a denser network structure in the composite gel. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy reveals enhanced hydrogen bonding in the rice starch-curdlan gels with the addition of NaCl. Lastly, dysphagia testing demonstrates that the composite gels with 0–5 mmol NaCl concentrations exhibited grade 5 characteristics (clastic and wet) with satisfactory swallowing performance.

Structural and Functional Relevance of Charge Based Transient Interactions inside Intrinsically Disordered Proteins.

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) perform a wide range of biological functions without adopting stable, well-defined, three-dimensional structures. Instead, IDPs exist as dynamic ensembles of flexible conformations, traditionally thought to be governed by weak, nonspecific interactions, which are well described by homopolymer theory. However, recent research highlights the presence of transient, specific interactions in several IDPs, suggesting that factors beyond overall size influence their conformational behavior. In this study, we investigate how the spatial arrangement of charged amino acids within IDP sequences shapes the prevalence of transient, specific interactions. Through a series of model peptides, we establish a quantitative empirical relationship between the fraction of transient interactions and a novel sequence metric, termed effective charged patch length, which characterizes the ability of charged patches to drive these interactions. By examining IDP ensembles with varying levels of transient interactions, we further explore their heteropolymeric structural behavior in phase-separated condensates, where we observe the formation of a condensate-spanning network structure. Additionally, we perform a proteome-wide scan for charge-based transient interactions within disordered regions of the human proteome, revealing that approximately 10% of these regions exhibit such charge-driven transient interactions, leading to heteropolymeric behaviors in their conformational ensembles. Finally, we examine how these charge-based transient interactions correlate with molecular functions, identifying specific biological roles in which these interactions are enriched.

Evolution of morphology and electrical properties under controlled flow in polypropylene/polystyrene co-continuous blends containing interfacially localized carbonaceous nanoparticles

This study investigates the evolution of morphology and electrical properties of polypropylene (PP)/polystyrene (PS) blend nanocomposites under controlled steady shear flow. These nanocomposites contain either few-layer graphene (FLG) or a mixture of FLG and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), prepared via a conventional melt-mixing. Composites were created by premixing FLG or FLG/MWCNT with either PP [PP/PS/FLG or PP/PS/(FLG+MWCNT)] or PS [PS/PP/FLG or PS/PP/(FLG+MWCNT)] at a PP/PS ratio inducing co-continuous morphology. Results showed a significant reduction in the percolation threshold (PT) for PS/PP/FLG composites, with an 81% decrease compared to PS/FLG. When FLG was premixed with PS, PT required only 2 wt. % FLG, compared to 5.9 wt. % in PP/PS/FLG. Steady shear deformation disrupted the electrical network in both PP/PS/FLG and PS/PP/FLG composites. However, the PS/PP/FLG composites exhibited greater stability in electrical conductivity at lower FLG concentrations (above 3 wt. %) compared to the PP/PS/FLG composites (above 6 wt. %). The applied shear did not affect the co-continuous morphology of the blend-based composites containing 1 wt. % or more of FLG. Additionally, the synergistic effects of the hybrid FLG/MWCNT mixture on the electrical conductivity and rheological properties of both PP/PS/(FLG+MWCNT) and PS/PP/(FLG+MWCNT) composites were evaluated. The incorporation of MWCNT into both PP/PS/FLG and PS/PP/FLG composites significantly enhanced the formation of a hybrid electrical network structure, leading to a further reduction in the percolation threshold concentration of FLG. Specifically, in PP/PS/FLG composites, PT decreased from 5.9 to 1–3 wt. % of FLG, while in PS/PP/FLG composites, PT dropped from 2 to 1 wt. % of FLG.

Supercritical N2 induced sandwich type lightweight and strong PP/CF foams with excellent electromagnetic shielding properties

The tremendous advances in communication technology and the explosion of electronic products led to an intensification of electromagnetic pollution, yet the efficient development of lightweight, high-strength fiber composite foams with excellent electromagnetic shielding properties was still a great challenge. Herein, this study, inspired by the sandwich structure, proposes a green foaming method with supercritical N2 to prepare a multilayered structure of carbon fiber reinforced polypropylene (PP/CF) foams, with a dense cellular structure in the core layer and a solid layer in the surface layer. The incorporation of CF improves the crystallization and rheological behavior of PP/CF, which guarantees a fine, dense and uniform cellular structure. This inner fine cellular structure and the solid layer on the surface contribute to the excellent mechanical properties. PP/30 %CF foam with a 1 mm mold opening distance displays an enhancement of 189.9 % in tensile strength and 196.3 % in flexural strength compared to pure PP. This also indicates more lightweight, high-strength and high-rigidity microcellular parts was obtained with less raw materials. Moreover, the formation of CF conductive network and internal foam structure contribute to excellent electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance. The PP/CF composite foams maintain a level of EMI shielding performance greater than 30 dB despite the higher mold opening distance. Specifically, the PP/30 %CF foams at opening distance of 5 mm was enhanced to 58.3 dB·cm3/g with an improvement of 76.7 %. This implies that lightweight microcellular parts with both excellent strength and EMI shielding properties can be prepared, which enables PP/CF foams to possess a wide range of applications in various fields.

Extraction technology determines the properties of bamboo shoots dietary fiber concentrate and its application in chicken mince gels: Systematic analysis

This study investigated how physical, chemical, and enzymatic extraction technologies affected the physicochemical properties of bamboo shoot insoluble dietary fiber (IDF). Additionally, the effects of IDF extracted by these techniques on the gel properties, water retention, microstructure, and digestibility of chicken mince gels were evaluated. Results showed that IDFs extracted by physical (P-IDF), chemical (C-IDF), and enzymatic (E-IDF) exhibited a typical cellulose polysaccharide structure and strong water and oil retention capabilities, with the highest values reaching 14.18 g/g and 6.74 g/g, respectively. Compared to P-IDF, C-IDF and E-IDF displayed a rougher porous structure and stronger adsorption capacities for glucose (409.91 mg/g and 604.95 mg/g), cholesterol (54.46 mg/g and 64.06 mg/g), sodium cholate, and nitrite. The addition of IDF improved the water retention, water stability, texture, and rheological properties of chicken mince gels, and had no negative effect on the digestion of chicken mince proteins. On the one hand, the hydrophilic groups exposed in IDF absorb water and fill the gel networks, reducing the formation of water channels in the gel and improving water stability. Furthermore, the hydrophilic groups on the glucose unit that makes up the IDF interacts with the proteins through the hydrogen bond and the transformation of protein β-structure to α-structure, promoting the formation of gel network structure and improving gel texture and rheological properties. E-IDF and C-IDF showed better overall gel performances, but E-IDF had better dry matter digestibility, protein digestibility, and gastrointestinal digestive effects. Therefore, IDF prepared by enzymatic hydrolysis is more suitable for chicken mince processing.

Highly Filled Waste Polyester Fiber/Low-Density Polyethylene Composites with a Better Fiber Length Retention Fabricated by a Two-Rotor Continuous Mixer

A key challenge in the utilization of waste polyester fibers (PET fibers) is the development of fiber-reinforced composites with high filler content and the improvement of fiber length retention. Herein, the effects of a two-rotor continuous mixer and a twin-screw extruder on the structure and properties of waste polyester fiber composites were evaluated. The results revealed that the mechanical properties of the composites were improved significantly with increasing fiber content, especially when processed using the twin-rotor continuous mixer. This mixer facilitated the formation of a robust fiber network structure, leading to substantial enhancements in tensile strength, flexural strength, and heat resistance. Specifically, compared to those processed by the twin-screw extruder, with 60 wt% fibers content, the tensile and flexural strengths of specimens processed by the twin-rotor continuous mixer increase by 21% and 13%, respectively. The average fiber length in specimens processed by the twin-rotor continuous mixer was 32% longer than that in specimens processed by the twin-screw extruder, attributable to the lower shear frequency and the higher tensile ratio of the former. This blending technique emerges as an effective strategy, contributing significantly to promoting the development and practical application of waste textile fiber-reinforced polymer composites.

Gelation properties and swallowing characteristics of heat-induced whey protein isolate/chia seed gum composite gels as dysphagia food

Soft gels based on protein-polysaccharide composite systems play a crucial role in the dietary management of people with dysphagia. The effect of chia seed gum (CSG) on the gelling and swallowing properties of heat-induced whey protein isolate (WPI) gels (3.125–75 mg/mL) was investigated. The results showed that adding CSG reduced the gelation concentration of WPI and weak gels could form at 12.5 mg/mL WPI concentration. In addition, the viscoelasticity and water-binding capacity of the WPI/CSG composite gels were gradually enhanced with increasing WPI concentrations. The WPI/CSG composite systems can be classified as level 2–5 dysphagia-oriented foods according to the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) framework. The incorporation of CSG promoted the cross-linking of protein aggregates and the formation of compact and continuous network structures, resulting in improved gelling properties of composite systems. This study contributes to the development of novel soft gel-type dysphagia foods with better textural characteristics.

Preparation and properties of bio-based PA56/SiO2–NH2 composite nanofiber membranes for high efficiency oil-water separation

With the continuous development of environmental protection and resource recycling demands, the development of bio-based separation membrane materials has increasingly attracted attention. Bio-based polyamide 56 (PA56), exhibiting excellent hydrophilicity, spinnability, and mechanical properties, is expected to complement and replace traditional separation membrane materials. In this study, the electrospinning preparation and structural control of PA56 nanofiber membranes were achieved through the optimization of PA56 content and mixed solvent ratios. The study found that when the PA56 content was 16 wt% and the formic acid to acetone ratio in the mixed solvent was 8:2, the nanofiber diameter distribution was the most uniform. Building on this, amino-functionalized modified silica (SiO2–NH2) nanoparticles were introduced to prepare PA56/SiO2–NH2 composite nanofiber membranes featuring a cobweb-like nanofiber network and micro-nodule structure. The effects of the addition of SiO2–NH2 nanoparticles on the morphology, structure, and properties of the fiber membranes were studied. The results indicate that the control of the mixed solvent ratio and the addition of SiO2–NH2 nanoparticles led to the formation of a cobweb-like nanofiber network and micro-nano nodular structure on the nanofiber surface, enhancing the hydrophilicity of PA56 nanofiber membranes. The M − 3 membrane with a nanoparticle addition amount of 0.8 wt% exhibited high hydrophilicity and underwater superoleophobic properties, achieving efficient separation of stable oil-in-water emulsions with a separation efficiency of 99.8 %. This work provides a new bio-based membrane material and its preparation method for treating oily wastewater using the membrane separation method.

Evaporation-Induced Switching from Flocculated to Dispersed TiO2 Nanoparticles in Binary Solvents.

Evaporation in mixed solutions containing both volatile and involatile solvents changes the properties of the binary solvent. We found that evaporating one solvent drastically increased the affinity of the mixed solvent to dispersant molecules and induced a switch from flocculated to dispersed TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2NPs). We prepared dispersions of TiO2NPs with mixtures of volatile cyclosiloxane (Dx), involatile polar oil, and a dispersant, namely polyhydroxystearic acid (PHSA). Dx is a nonsolvent but the polar oil is a good solvent for PHSA. The dispersions were applied on a quartz substrate, and Dx was evaporated. The original applied films were turbid, in which flocculated TiO2NPs formed network structures. However, as the evaporation of Dx progressed, the drying films became transparent and the network structures of TiO2NPs loosened and disappeared. After the evaporation of Dx, the applied films were transparent to visible light but blocked the transmission of UV light. The flow characteristics of the dispersions also changed. The original dispersions showed shear-thinning but became more Newtonian-like as the fraction of Dx decreased. Generally, particles are concentrated in drying dispersions and become packed or flocculated as evaporation progresses. Our findings show that initially flocculated nanoparticles can be redispersed after evaporating a specific solvent. The effects of different Dxs and compositions on the switch from flocculated to dispersed TiO2NPs and their applicability as sunscreens are discussed.

Fucoidan-Vegetable Oil Emulsion Applied to Myosin of Silver Carp: Effect on Protein Conformation and Heat-Induced Gel Properties.

How to improve the gel properties of protein has become a research focus in the field of seafood processing. In this paper, a fucoidan (FU)-vegetable oil emulsion was prepared, and the mechanism behind the effect of emulsion on protein conformation and the heat-induced gel properties was studied. The results revealed that the FU-vegetable oil complex caused the aggregation and cross-linking of myosin, as well as increased the surface hydrophobicity and total sulfhydryl content of myosin. In addition, the addition of the compound (0.3% FU and 1% vegetable oil) significantly improved the gel strength, hardness, chewiness, and water-holding capacity of the myosin gel (p < 0.05). In particular, when the addition of camellia oil was 1%, the gel strength, hardness, chewiness, and water-holding capacity had the highest values of 612.47 g.mm, 406.80 g, 252.75 g, and 53.56%, respectively. Simultaneously, the emulsion (0.3% FU-1% vegetable oil) enhanced the hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interaction of the myosin gels. The image of the microstructure showed that the emulsion with 0.3% FU-1% vegetable oil improved the formation of the stable three-dimensional network structure. In summary, the FU-vegetable oil complex can promote unfolding of the protein structure and improve the gel properties of myosin, thus providing a theoretical basis for the development of functional surimi products.

Wax crystal dynamics and viscosity abnormal reduction in asphaltene-containing waxy oil at low temperatures

A micro-rheological integration experiment was conducted on model oils without asphaltene and with 0.05 wt% asphaltene. The study examined the viscosity-temperature characteristics of both model oils under different cooling rates and shear rates. Significant changes were observed in the viscosity-temperature curve of the asphaltene-containing model oil. At low shear rates, a distinct wavelet peak was identified in the temperature range of 37-30 °C, where viscosity initially increased, then decreased, and subsequently increased again. This wavelet peak diminished with the increasing shear rate, eventually forming a “buffer platform”. The underlying mechanism was attributed to asphaltene altering the wax crystal behavior from “uniform precipitation network structure formation” to “formation of unstable large aggregates - dissociation into multiple small stable aggregates - growth into larger stable aggregates.” In addition, the wax precipitation rate remained constant in the model oil without asphaltene, while in the asphaltene-containing model oil, the rate significantly accelerated between 34.5 °C and 32.5 °C. And the asphaltenes promoted the formation of small wax crystal particles but inhibited the growth of wax crystal particles.