The viscosity of the sodium alginate solution provides information
about the maximum force and tensile strength of the calcium
alginate films, which depends on the alginate type and
concentration of the solution. The thickness also affects the absolute
value of these mechanical properties. The tensile test is able to
detect more differences than the puncture test, although the latter
could be more useful for the design of meat coating applications.
The method used for the determination of the gelation front
movement is simple and allows the estimation of the required time
for the conversion of sodium alginate solution to calcium alginate
gel in the meat coating applications. At higher alginate concentration
the required time is higher.
The water permeance of calcium alginate films is higher than
those of natural hog casings. Therefore, the use of the calcium
alginate films for coating the meat logs during the drying process
would not limit the water loss.
The studied calcium alginate films are colourless and an unimportant
effect on the colour of the coated meat products is expected,
although additional sensory