Effect of Temperature on the State of Water within Kamaboko

Abstract

Effect of temperature on the state of water within the kamaboko was examined in order to clarify the mechanism of temperature-dependence of its elasticity. Upon raising measuring temperature, the length of the kamaboko was almost unchanged and the weight was slightly decreased. The electrostatic capacity and the expressible water were increased. In the differential IR spectrum of the kamaboko, a band due to free water was strengthened. On the other hand, it was microscopically observed that the network structure within the kamaboko was broken into pieces with raising the temperature.
Based on the above results, there arose a possibility of the conversion of bound water to free water within the kamaboko caused the thermal decrease in the elasticity.