Food Science & Nutrition Research
Open AccessEnhancing Dairy Processing Equipment with Antimicrobial Silicone Resin: The Effects of Zinc Oxide on Mechanical Properties
Authors: Benton Allen, Emily Hunt, Richeson JT, Trent Kelly.
Abstract
Ensuring the quality and safety of dairy products starts with the surfaces that encounter milk, necessitating materials that are smooth, impermeable, and free from any defects that could harbor bacteria. Traditional materials like metals have been found lacking due to issues like corrosion and bacterial contamination. In response, the dairy industry has turned to silicone resin for its corrosion resistance and ability to maintain the freshness of milk. A challenge with silicone and similar polymers is their propensity to develop biofilms from continuous exposure to bacteria, which can lead to infections spreading during the milking process. Prior work by authors has established the convence of ZnO antimicrobial properties when mixed into silicon resins. The goal of this paper is to assess how ZnO affects the resin's elasticity and hardness, which are critical for the reliability and cleanliness of dairy equipment. Findings show that while lower concentrations of ZnO did not affect the physical properties significantly, a 4% concentration increased its stiffness. This suggests a promising path for producing dairy processing materials that are not only mechanically robust but also inherently antimicrobial, potentially revolutionizing hygiene standards in dairy farming without compromising equipment performance.
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