Experimental Development of Processing Technology for Yuba-like Films Using Twin Screw Extrusion

The traditional method of making yuba has several shortcomings, including complicated processes, longer processing time, requirement of many equipments, creation of uncomfortable working environments, and production of wastes. To solve these problems, extrusion may be a promising alternative. The techniques of making yuba-like films by using a twin-screw extruder with special forming dies were investigated in this study. The effects of raw materials, plasticizers, operation parameters, and forming dies on twin-screw extrusion of yuba-like films were also analyzed. The results showed that yuba-like films could be made successfully by using a twin-screw extruder with T-die. To achieve a good performance of yuba extrusion and to get a good quality of films, the heating temperature of the raw materials should be over the denaturation temperature of soy protein, and the screw speed/feed rate ratio should be taken into account. Finally, a twin-roller system should be used to extend the films.