Relating structure of fat crystal networks to mechanical properties: a review

This paper reviews the identification of the various levels of structure present in fat crystal networks, and the development of analytical techniques to quantify these levels. The relationship of the various levels of structure to macroscopic physical indicators of the mechanical strength of the network is discussed. The analysis of the microstructural level of the network via fractal geometrical methods is discussed, as well as mechanical models relating the structure to mechanical properties. A method developed to quantify the fractality of fat crystal networks is also presented. The effect of processing conditions on microstructural indicators of the elastic modulus of the network is also discussed. This paper summarizes some 50 years of endeavor to relate the structure of fat crystal networks to their macroscopic rheological properties. (C) 1999 Candian Institute of Food Science and Technology. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd All rights reserved.