In this study, we report that the addition of ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH)significantly enhance the properties of extruded WG-based materials. The grainystructure disappeared and the extrudate became more uniform and glossy. Thebarrier properties improved and the oxygen permeability at dry conditions was aslow as that for a number of petroleum-based plastics (poly(ethylene terephthalateand polyamide 66). The protein structure in this material was extensivelyaggregated, which improved the strength and stiffness; there was a ca 4-foldincrease in maximum stress compared to that of the NH4OH-free samples. Theprotein solubility decreased to almost zero. Even a severe sonication treatmentin sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) did not increase the solubility. The only typeof protein that it was possible to extract was the ’thermo-resistant’ w-gliadinslacking disulfide-bonds. Our result provides new opportunities to develop a WGbasedfilm extrudate for potential use as e.g. a renewable barrier layer in foodand non-food laminate packagings.
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