Brookfield CT3 Texture Analyzer - Manual (Page 35)

Brookfield Engineering Labs., Inc. Page 35 Manual No. M08-372-C0113
READING:
F
Hardness
(H
1
)
Quantity of Fractures
Calculate mean of all values
(H
AV
)
Distance
Fracture Point Final
H
1 /H A V = Indication of Crispiness
(Crispiness becomes a function of hardness)
Relate the mean value of peaks obtained to the original hardness
value. Empirically our investigations highlighted that higher
values of the ratio were indicative of increased crispiness.
X Y
DISCUSSION:
As the probe travels through the sample an initial fracture of the surface is
recorded. This fracture is greater in relation to other peaks within the chocolate
coated sample due to surface characteristics. A range of internal fractures
are then recorded as the probe progresses to the target deformation of 3 mm.
The level of peaks within the sample are indicative of crispiness e.g. harder
samples showed greater fracture force and were thus considered as being
more crispy. The overall force:deformation curve highlights various peaks
and troughs as the aerated structure of the sample is penetrated, peaks may
be caused through the presence of sugar crystals or where the probe makes
contact with air pockets within the dough structure. The overall positive
area of the curve is indicative of sample hardness (as is peak force) and may
be taken as a direct indication of bake conditions imposed e.g. hotter oven
or longer residence time produces a harder biscuit within a sample batch.
As two different varieties of biscuit were evaluated, the overall hardness
characteristics were considered to be the result of variations in formulation,
composition and process conditions imposed. Please note that if inclusions
such as chocolate chips or oats are in the biscuit, they will contribute directly
to result fluctuations.
PARAMETER
COLLECTION:
Use with TexturePro CT software is necessary to obtain fracture
calculations.
PARAMETERS:
HARDNESS Load detected at highest peak during compression
WORK Integrated area under the compression cycle. Total
energy required to penetrate the sample
QUANTITY AND NUMBER OF FRACTURES
Internal ruptures and fracture of sample as structure is
broken. Indicative of sample brittleness and internal
bond strength.