Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
12:00
Preparation of Light-responsive Membranes by a Combined Surface Grafting and Postmodification Process
Published on: March 21, 2014
11.8K
Enhancing polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coated film for food processing: Unveiling surface transformations through
Noraziani Zainal Abidin1, Haslaniza Hashim1, Saiful Irwan Zubairi1
1Department of Food Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.
Plos One
|May 31, 2024
Summary
This study enhanced spray drying by using oxygen plasma-treated polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) films. This hydrophobic coating improved powder properties, reducing stickiness and increasing recovery for fruit juices.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Food Science
Background:
- Spray drying fruit juices faces challenges due to sticky sugars and organic acids.
- Low glass transition temperatures of fruit juice components contribute to powder agglomeration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To improve the spray drying process for fruit juices by enhancing surface hydrophobicity.
- To investigate the effect of oxygen plasma treatment on polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) films for spray drying applications.
Main Methods:
- Utilized response surface methodology with Central Composite Design to optimize plasma treatment parameters (power and duration).
- Employed polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) films as a hydrophobic coating to mimic drying chamber surfaces.
- Analyzed surface properties using contact angle measurements, RAMAN spectroscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis.
Main Results:
- Optimized PTFE films achieved a maximum contact angle of 146.0° with specific plasma treatment parameters.
- The modified surface exhibited enhanced hydrophobicity, porosity, and roughness.
- Spray-dried Morinda citrofolia (MC) juice powders showed improved hygroscopicity, reduced caking, and better moisture content.
Conclusions:
- Oxygen plasma treatment of PTFE-coated substrates significantly enhances surface hydrophobicity and spray drying efficiency.
- This method offers a viable solution to overcome stickiness issues in fruit juice powder production.
- The improved surface properties lead to better powder quality and increased process recovery.
