Use of X-ray micro tomography to study the microstructure of loose-packed and compacted milk powders.
The use of X-rays to evaluate food microstructure has developed considerably in recent years. In this work we used X-ray micro tomography (XMT) to visualize the microstructure of loose-packed and compacted samples of spray-dried skim milk powder (SMP) and whole milk powder (WMP) and to quantify the proportion of both interstitial and occluded air voids in each sample. Visual scrutiny of the acquired XMT images showed details of the microstructure of the milk powders such as the spherical morphology of the particles, the size of the particles and internal air voids of various sizes. Within loose-packed powders, the proportion of air voids was higher (13% average) in WMP than in SMP. This was reversed in the compacted powders, in which the proportion of air voids was higher in SMP. The disparity in the proportion of air voids in both loose-packed and compacted samples of SMP and WMP was attributed to the size, shape and surface properties of the particles.
Fonterra Research Centre, , Palmerston North, New Zealand. abraham.chawanji@fonterra.com
A S
AS
Chawanji
A J
AJ
Baldwin
G
G
Brisson
E
E
Webster
D000818:Animals; D003890:Desiccation; D005511:Food Handling; D008892:Milk; D011208:Powders; D055114:X-Ray Microtomography / Q000379:methods*
D011208:Powders