ULTRASONIC DEGRADATION OF HIGH-MOLECULAR-WEIGHT COMPONENTS OF GELATIN

Different types of gelatin were irradiated with ultrasonic waves to investigate the process of ultrasonic degradation of gelatin. The physical characteristsics of irradiated gelatins were also studied. The kinetics of the ultrasonic degradation of fraction H (the highest molecular weight component in the gelatin) were studied and found to be first order. The ultrasonic degradation constant k of fraction H varied with type of gelatin, concentration and quantity of gelatin solution. Values of k for lime-processed gelatins were about the same as each other, whereas the k for acid-processed gelatins were different from one another. Fraction H of the acid-processed gelatins was more degradable than those of lime-processed gelatins. There was a negative relationship between Log(k) and the concentration of the gelatin solution. Correlation of Log(k) and the quantity of sample solution was also negative. The effect of irradiation time on the physical characteristics of the gelatin was also observed. The jelly strength of the irradiated gelatins had a peak during irradiation, whereas the viscosity decreased monotonously.