LAUSR

Abstract The aim of this research is to crystallize a low saturated interesterified soybean oil (IESBO) using a scraped surface heat exchanger (SSHE) combined with high intensity ultrasound (HIU). The SSHE operated at a flow rate of 3.125 mL/s, crystallization temperature of 32°C, pressure of 2 bars, and barrels/pin worker speed of 344/208 rpm, respectively. HIU was applied at amplitudes between 20-80% using continuous, 5 seconds or 10 seconds pulses. The microstructure, melting behavior, rheology, hardness, and oil binding capacity (OBC) of the samples were evaluated. Non-sonicated sample resulted in a crystalline network characterized by 8.9 μm diameter crystals, elasticity values of 25,255Pa, hardness values of 1.3N and OBC values of 61%. Sonication using 50% amplitude for 5 s was the most efficient condition and resulted in a decrease in crystal size to 4.5 μm, an increase in elasticity values to 100,238Pa, and an increase in hardness and OBC values to 3.7N and 81.3%, respectively.