Effects of wax concentration and carbon chain length on the structural modification of fat crystals

) and crystal domain size (ξ) with pure PKS85, whereas that of PKS85 containing RW was 1.7-1.8 and 1.5-1.8 fold higher, respectively. This result corresponded to the carbon chain length of CLW and RW, which was double and quadruple that of PKS85, respectively. Further, these variations were reflected in the crystal microstructures of PKS85 with CLW and RW, where the former showed small homogeneous crystals, while the latter displayed large rod-like layered crystals. In addition, the firmness significantly increased when CLW and RW were added, which is possibly attributed to the fact that the waxes became the backbone of the crystal "fence". Our findings give clear insight into the interaction between TAGs and wax molecules in the crystallization process, which can help guide the utilization of natural waxes in the modification of fats.