Abstract
In this study, we report that the addition of ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) significantly enhance the properties of extruded WG-based materials. The grainy structure disappeared and the extrudate became more uniform and glossy. The barrier properties improved and the oxygen permeability at dry conditions was as low as that for a number of petroleum-based plastics (poly(ethylene terephthalate and polyamide 66). The protein structure in this material was extensively aggregated, which improved the strength and stiffness; there was a ca 4-fold increase in maximum stress compared to that of the NH4OH-free samples. The protein solubility decreased to almost zero. Even a severe sonication treatment in sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) did not increase the solubility. The only type of protein that it was possible to extract was the 'thermo-resistant' ω-gliadins lacking disulfide-bonds. Our result provides new opportunities to develop a WG-based film extrudate for potential use as e.g. a renewable barrier layer in food and non-food laminate packagings.
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