The diffusion of calcium ion into the organic layers studied by a differential photoacoustic system

Abstract

Kinetics of water and calcium ion diffusion into biological layer (pericarp) exposed to different thermal treatments was investigated using the novel concept of differential photoacoustic cell (DPC). The latter enabled the real time measurements of amplitude and phase of PA signals originating from the reference and test samples. The uptake of calcium ion and water into kernel during the cooking of maize occurs predominantly through the pericarp. This process affects the physiochemical properties of kernel causing the corresponding changes of the signal and the phase of PA signal in time. The novel concept of DPC including temperature profiles is an excellent tool to study in-situ kinetics and thermal properties of material.