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Preparation of Zein Fibers Using Solution Blow Spinning Method
Author(s) -
Liu Fei,
AvenaBustillos Roberto J.,
Woods Rachelle,
Chiou BorSen,
Williams Tina G.,
Wood Delilah F.,
BilbaoSainz Cristina,
Yokoyama Wallace,
Glenn Gregory M.,
McHugh Tara H.,
Zhong Fang
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of food science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 150
eISSN - 1750-3841
pISSN - 0022-1147
DOI - 10.1111/1750-3841.13537
Subject(s) - materials science , fiber , spinning , scanning electron microscope , composite material , tensiometer (surface tension) , response surface methodology , analytical chemistry (journal) , surface tension , chemistry , chromatography , physics , quantum mechanics
Zein fibers were successfully fabricated via solution blow spinning (SBS) using acetic acid as solvent. Surface tension, viscosity and modulus of zein solutions were respectively determined by force tensiometer and rheometer. Increases of these properties were observed with an increase of concentration from 20% to 35% (w/w). The fabrication conditions of zein fibers were initially investigated as a function of zein concentration (25% to 35% w/w), feed rate (0.04 to 0.1 mL/min) and air pressure (0.28 to 0.62 MPa). The average fiber diameter (AFD) ranged from 174 to 9595 nm based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A Box–Behnken experimental design (BBD) was further performed to identify and quantify the significance of above parameters. The statistical analysis showed that the linear coefficient of concentration, the quadratic term of concentration as well as the interaction between concentration and air pressure were demonstrated statistically significant. Optimal conditions, with an AFD of 138 nm, could be obtained in the SBS of zein fibers by combining a concentration of 23% (w/w), a feed rate of 0.04 mL/min and an air pressure of 0.38 MPa. The moisture sorption capacity of fibers increased slightly as AFD decreased from ∼550 to ∼200 nm, with an increase of BET surface area from 116.5 to 140.0 m 2 /g.