Mechanical properties are important for the quality assessment of biomaterials like fruits and vegetables. They are usually determined in compression, tensile and bending tests. Since many quality properties of biomaterials relate to their susceptibility to destruction and the fracture propagation, mechanical testing combined with the acoustic emission method (AE) provides comprehensive instrumental evaluation close to sensory evaluation.
In the laboratory new instrumentation for quality evaluation of fruits and vegetables are being developed. New devices: 1) contact acoustic emission detector (CAED) for apple texture evaluation and 2) device for biospeckle activity evaluation of fruits, have been developed. The laboratory also provides a professional sensory panel which is used for food testing and as the reference method in developing new instrumental methods.
contact: Artur Zdunek