6533b827fe1ef96bd128665e

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Visualizing pectin polymer-polymer entanglement produced by interfacial water movement.

Maximilian AckermannDebra MohnenWilli L. WagnerSteven J. MentzerYifan ZhengAidan PierceHenrik Vibe Scheller

subject

Work (thermodynamics)Materials sciencefood.ingredientPolymers and PlasticsPectinPolymers02 engineering and technologyQuantum entanglement010402 general chemistry01 natural sciencesArticleMacromolecular and Materials ChemistryAdhesion strengthfoodFood SciencesPhase (matter)Materials ChemistryComposite materialPolymerWater contentchemistry.chemical_classificationOrganic ChemistryPolymerAdhesion021001 nanoscience & nanotechnologyPectin0104 chemical scienceschemistryAdhesion0210 nano-technologyVideomicroscopy

description

In this report, we investigated the physical conditions for creating pectin polymer-polymer (homopolymer) entanglement. The potential role of water movement in creating pectin entanglement was investigated by placing water droplets-equivalent to the water content of two gel phase films-between two glass phase films and compressing the films at variable probe velocities. Slow probe velocity (0.5 mm/sec) demonstrated no significant debonding. Corresponding videomicroscopy demonstrated an occasional water bridge, but no evidence of stranding or polymer entanglement. In contrast, fast probe velocity (5 mm/sec) resulted in 1) an increase in peak adhesion strength, 2) a progressive debonding curve, and 3) increased work of cohesion (p < .001). Corresponding videomicroscopy demonstrated pectin stranding and delamination between pectin films. Scanning electron microscopy images obtained during pectin debonding provided additional evidence of both stranding and delamination. We conclude that water movement can supply the motive force for the rapid chain entanglement between pectin films.

https://escholarship.org/uc/item/7198r2b5