Characterization of Different Clay Mines and Preparation and Preservation Properties for <i>Lateolabrax japonicas</i> Fillets Unidirectional Water‐Conducting Preservation Pads Loading Clay Mines

ABSTRACT In order to inhibit the growth and reproduction of microorganisms in the exudate of fresh aquatic products during storage. Absorbent paper, absorbent cotton and nylon mesh were used as the substrates, three types of clay minerals (diatomite, columnar diatomite and bentonite) were used as the water absorbing materials and a new type of unidirectional water‐conducting preservation pads was prepared. The physicochemical properties of water absorbing materials and preservation properties of pads for Lateolabrax japonicas fillets were measured. The results show that all three kinds of clay have good water absorption properties, and bentonite exhibits the highest water retention properties because of metal oxide. After absorbing water, the surface holes of diatomite and columnar diatomite particles are blocked, while the volume of bentonite particles increases. Bentonite absorbs water slowly but retains water best and can absorb 10.31 times its own mass of water. Preservation study shows that water absorption preservation pads can effectively absorb the exudate of fish fillets and slow down the deterioration of fish fillet quality. Bentonite preservation pad shows the best effective and extends the shelf life of L. japonicas fillets from 6 to 9.3 days. This research can provide the technical support for the application of preservation pads carrying clay minerals in the field of fresh aquatic products.