Experimental methodology

Abstract

This chapter is a step-by-step description of the most common analytical methods used in the study of physico-chemical properties of fat crystal networks. The methodologies covered include those used in the investigation of nucleation and crystallization kinetics, thermal properties and polymorphism, microstructure (both by microscopic and rheologic approaches), and mechanical properties of fat crystal networks. With the aim of providing the reader with a complete panorama of the presented experimental methodologies, a brief theoretical background is included that covers the fundamental concepts related to the phenomena and instrumentation used. This is followed by a comprehensive description of experimental procedures, from sample preparation to data analysis, including some illustrative examples. This is not an exhaustive review of all of the analytic methods available in the area of fat material science research, but, rather, of the most commonly used methods in our laboratory.