MILK-PROTEINS IN CAUSTIC SOLUTIONS - PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND FLOCCULATION BY BENTONITE AND POLYACRYLAMIDE POLYMERS

Milk protein concentrate was dispersed in strong alkaline solution (2% NaOH) and heated at different temperatures to simulate cleaning condi tions in dairy plants. Protein partially hydrolyzed and hydrophobic re sidues were probably destroyed by hydroxides ions. The flocculation ki netics of milk protein dispersion, induced by bentonite and polyacryla mide polymers followed a 4 parameter logistic model. Flocculation rate and efficiency were influenced by the heating temperature of the disp ersion. The type of bentonite and polyacrylamide polymers had signific ant effect on flocculation efficiency and flee volume. Addition of ion ic calcium (CaCl2) improved the flocculation process. In controlled co nditions, clarification of milk protein dispersion reached 82.0% and r equired less than 3 min.