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Title Strengthening of Porcine Plasma Protein Superabsorbent Materials through a Solubilization-Freeze-Drying Process
ID_Doc 29097
Authors Alvarez-Castillo, E; Bengoechea, C; Guerrero, A
Title Strengthening of Porcine Plasma Protein Superabsorbent Materials through a Solubilization-Freeze-Drying Process
Year 2021
Published Polymers, 13.0, 5
DOI 10.3390/polym13050772
Abstract The replacement of common acrylic derivatives by biodegradable materials in the formulation of superabsorbent materials would lessen the associated environmental impact. Moreover, the use of by-products or biowastes from the food industry that are usually discarded would promote a desired circular economy. The present study deals with the development of superabsorbent materials based on a by-product from the meat industry, namely plasma protein, focusing on the effects of a freeze-drying stage before blending with glycerol and eventual injection molding. More specifically, this freeze-drying stage is carried out either directly on the protein flour or after its solubilization in deionized water (10% w/w). Superabsorbent materials obtained after this solubilization-freeze-drying process display higher Young's modulus and tensile strength values, without affecting their water uptake capacity. As greater water uptake is commonly related to poorer mechanical properties, the proposed solubilization-freeze-drying process is a useful strategy for producing strengthened hydrophilic materials.
Author Keywords plasma protein; superabsorbent; protein-based material; freeze-drying; injection molding
Index Keywords Index Keywords
Document Type Other
Open Access Open Access
Source Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED)
EID WOS:000628442000001
WoS Category Polymer Science
Research Area Polymer Science
PDF https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/13/5/772/pdf
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