A Novel Technique for Ice Crystal Visualization in Frozen Solids Using X‐Ray Micro‐Computed Tomography

ABSTRACT A novel technique, using an X‐ray micro‐computed tomography system (X‐ray micro‐CT system) has been developed for visualization of the two‐ (2‐D) and three‐dimensional (3‐D) ice crystal structures formed during freezing. The system reconstructs all 3‐D images based on a set of 2‐D images obtained by multiple slicing of an X‐ray shadow image. This study demonstrates the capability of the technique to characterize the ice crystal microstructure of mycoprotein products after freezing. Results are presented for the 2‐D ice crystals formed within mycoprotein frozen at different rates. The method requires freeze‐drying of the sample to remove frozen water before scanning to indicate ice crystal and internal structure of the material at a depth of 1 cm. The dendrite spacing of ice crystals has been related to the freezing conditions of the material.