UV Radiation Induced Cross-Linking of Whey Protein Isolate-Based Films

Casted whey protein films exposed to ultraviolet irradiation were analyzed for their cross-linking properties and mechanical and barrier performance. Expected mechanical and barrier improvements are discussed with regard to quantification of the cross-linking in the UV-treated whey protein films. Sw...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Markus Schmid, Tobias Konrad Prinz, Kerstin Müller, Andreas Haas
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2017-01-01
Series:International Journal of Polymer Science
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2017/1846031
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Summary:Casted whey protein films exposed to ultraviolet irradiation were analyzed for their cross-linking properties and mechanical and barrier performance. Expected mechanical and barrier improvements are discussed with regard to quantification of the cross-linking in the UV-treated whey protein films. Swelling tests were used to determine the degree of swelling, degree of cross-linking, and cross-linking density. When the UV radiation dosage was raised, a significant increase of the tensile strength as well as an increase in Young’s modulus was observed. No significant changes in water vapor and oxygen barrier properties between the UV-treated films and an untreated reference sample could be observed. The cross-linking density and the degree of cross-linking significantly increased due to UV radiation. Combined results indicate a disordered protein network in cast films showing locally free volume and therefore only minor mechanical and barrier improvements.
ISSN:1687-9422
1687-9430