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ABSTRACT The nucleation and growth of fats have long been investigated, yet the knowledge regarding the structural organization of triacylglycerols (TAGs) in the liquid state remains limited. Three alkyl chains esterified to a glycerol backbone make up a TAG molecule. The numerical models, together with experimental investigations, help unravel TAG organization in the molten state. However, more evidence for their association in the liquid state is of great interest to control the stability and functionality of fats and oils in various applications. In this study, we focus on molten tripalmitin (PPP) using small‐angle neutron and X‐ray scattering and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering to verify their existence. In light of our recent work, we again propose a model where TAGs associate as clusters via glycerol‐glycerol interactions, with their alkyl chains extending outwards in a loose shell. In addition, the dynamic nature of clusters is also represented in the model, where TAGs can move from one cluster to another via diffusion. A model is proposed to represent the distribution of molecules in the clusters of PPP. The temperature dependence of the average number of molecules per cluster is negatively correlated, and the average distance between clusters becomes smaller. Hence, the fact that before the onset of nucleation, TAGs can associate due to the intermolecular interactions led by neighboring glycerol cores is supported.
Pulatsu et al. (Mon,) studied this question.