Crystallization, transformation and microstructures of polymorphic fats in colloidal dispersion states

This article reviews new information about polymorphic structures, kinetic and microscopic properties of fat crystals in colloidal dispersion states such as aggregates (spherulite), oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion and water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion. The kinetic processes of fat crystallization under external factors such as different cooling rates, shear and ultrasound irradiation are reviewed. Microstructures of fats revealed by synchrotron radiation microbeam X-ray diffraction techniques in bulk and emulsion states are also reviewed for the first time.

Graphical abstractSynchrotron radiation microbeam X-ray diffraction analysis unveiled microstructures of spherulites of fats before and after β′-β transformation (scale bar, 25 μm).Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (247 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► New information about polymorphic structures of fats. ► Comprehensive description of fat crystallization affected by external factors. ► Description of kinetic and microscopic processes of polymorphic transformations of fats. ► First review of fat microstructures revealed by synchrotron radiation microbeam X-ray diffraction techniques.