Molecular interaction and penetration depth in aqueous d-glucose below room temperature: An approach using time domain reflectometry

Abstract

The present work reports the study of structural dynamics and depth of penetration in aqueous d-glucose in terms of molecular interaction through hydrogen bonding. Structural changes through dielectric and thermodynamic approach for aqueous d-glucose in the molar concentration region 0.2 ≤ c/M ≤ 1 and over the temperature range of 278.15 K to 298.15 K have been carried out with the help of time domain reflectometry technique (TDR) in the frequency range of 0.01 GHz to 50 GHz. As the successful use of microwave is directly associated with the dielectric properties of the materials, therefore the study is of special interest with more focus on the penetration depth at two commercially used primary frequencies, 915 MHz and 2450 MHz, as it is absorbed well by water, food materials, and bakery products that include carbohydrates like d-glucose, which allows for efficient heating of foods. The frequency-dependent complex permittivity was used to evaluate dielectric and thermodynamic parameters.