Research Services

 

Analytical Services

World-class instrumentation for the physical characterization of soft material properties.

Triglyceride Properties Calculator Project

The Triglyceride Property Calculator (TPC) is a software implementation of the semi-empirical model developed by Leendert Wesdorp as his Ph.D. thesis (Wesdorp L (1990). Liquid-multiple solid phase equilibria in fats: theory and experiments. Doctoral Dissertation. TU Delft, Delft University of Technology). We revisited Wesdorp's work in 2017 (Moorthy et al. 2017. Estimating Thermodynamic Properties of Pure Triglyceride Systems Using the Triglyceride Property Calculator. J Am Oil Chem Soc (2017) 94:187-199), where we also developed this app. Rigorous testing of the calculator made apparent that the model is capable of estimating enthalpies of fusion with measurable success for both saturated and unsaturated triglycerides of all polymorphs, and particularly strong predictions of measurements for β saturated triglycerides. Testing also made evident that the current implementation of the Triglyceride Property Calculator has suspect value in predicting melting temperatures of triglycerides, often generating predictions that are physically unlikely. In spite of these issues, the TPC is an important preliminary advance in what will surely be a continued effort to generate quality estimates of thermodynamic properties for pure triglycerides. With continued, rigorous development, we expect to eventually build a tool, or tools, capable of estimating thermodynamic properties of mixed systems of multiple liquid and solid triglycerides; a development of significant value to scientists and engineers investigating naturally occurring fats and oils.

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Analytical Services

We offer range of analytical services that are unique in their nature. Our focus in on the physical characterization of fats and oils, in particular polymorphism, melting behavior, microstructrure and solid fat content. We have strong expertise in rheology as well. These unique capabilities are managed by permanent full-time staff, ensuring a quick turnaround. From a few analyses to major analytical projects, we offer the correct service for you. Our analytical services include the input/advice of Dr. Alejandro Marangoni and his expert team when necessary. A list of the analytical equipment available in our laboratory can be found below.

EquipmentMakerModel
Equipment:
Dynamic Rheometer
Maker:
Anton Parr
Graz, Austria
Model:

MCR 302
Running Rheoplus /32 V3.62

Equipment:
Differential Scanning Calorimeter
Maker:
Mettler Toledo
Model:

DSC 1 STARe system with a sampler robot
Running STARe software

Equipment:
Differential Scanning Calorimeter
Maker:
TA Instruments
Model:

Q2000
Running Universal Analysis

Equipment:
Powder X-Ray Diffractometer
Maker:
Rigaku
Japan
Model:

MiniFlex version 600 6G Smart Lab Studio II

Equipment:
Low-Resolution pulsed Nuclear magnetic Analyzer
Maker:
Bruker
Milton, ON, Canada
Model:

MiniSpec mq20

Equipment:
Refractometer
Maker:
Rudolph Research
USA
Model:

J357
Temperature range:10°C to 100°C, 589.3 nm, optical wavelength

Equipment:
Phase Analyzer
Maker:
Phase Technology
Richmond, Canada
Model:

PSA-70V-HT
Up to 60C and ramps up to 50deg/min

Equipment:
UV-Vis Spectrometer
Maker:
Cole Parmer Ltd, UK
Model:

Jenway 7205

Equipment:
Shear and temperature controlled cell for light microscope
Maker:
Linkam
Model:

CSS450

Equipment:
Temperature controlled cell for the light microscope
Maker:
Instec and Linkam
Model:

TS102S and TMS93

Equipment:
Cone Penetrometer
Maker:
Precision Scientific
Chicago, USA
Model:

PS

Equipment:
Water Activity Meter
Maker:
Aqua Lab by Decagon
Pullman, WA, USA
Model:

4 TEV with temperature control

Equipment:
Texture Analyzer
Maker:
SMS Material Test
Godalming, Surrey, UK
Model:

MT-LQ

Equipment:
Polytron hand-held homogenizer
Maker:
Kinematica AG
Switzerland
Model:

PT-1300 D

Equipment:
Laminar Shear Crystallizer
Maker:
In House
Model:

100-1000s - shear rates available

Equipment:
USAXS System
Maker:
Rigaku, Japan
Model:

NANOPIX mini

Equipment:
Flow through rotostator
Maker:
IKA Works, Inc., NC, USA.
Model:

magic LAB®

Equipment:
Light/ Polarized Microscope
Maker:
OMAX, Kent, WA, USA
Model:

M838PL-C180U3

Equipment:
Phase Analyzer
Maker:
Phase Technology
Richmond, Canada
Model:

PSA-70V-HT
Up to 60oC and ramps up to 50deg/min