The Effects of Varying Kaolin Clay Concentrations on the Internal Temperature of Organic Gala Apples (Malus domestica) Exposed to Incandescent Light

School Name

Spring Valley High School

Grade Level

10th Grade

Presentation Topic

Botany

Presentation Type

Non-Mentored

Abstract

Refrigeration is the most common postharvest storage method for apples because it slows ripening and extends shelf life and transportation distance. However, refrigeration has limitations, including high energy use, negative environmental impacts, and the risk of storage disorders in fruit. The purpose of this study was to test whether kaolin clay could serve as a more sustainable and affordable alternative by reducing apple temperature through its reflective properties, which scatter light and limit heat absorption. It was hypothesized that increasing kaolin concentration would result in lower surface and core temperatures. Apples were treated with four kaolin concentrations (0, 1, 3, and 5 g/100 mL) and placed under an incandescent lamp. Surface temperatures were measured using an infrared thermometer, while core temperatures were measured using a temperature probe. Overall, higher kaolin concentrations produced lower apple temperatures, supporting the hypothesis. Statistical analysis showed significant differences in surface temperatures among treatments, F(3,116) = 118.24, p < 0.001, and significant differences in core temperatures, F(3,116) = 2.92, p = 0.010. Box plots and post hoc Fisher tests indicated no significant difference between the 3 g/100 mL and 5 g/100 mL treatments. Across multiple analyses, these two groups showed nearly identical mean temperatures and data values, suggesting that increasing kaolin concentration beyond 3 g/100 mL did not improve cooling performance. Because the higher concentration provided no added benefit, 3 g/100 mL was identified as the most effective treatment, balancing temperature reduction with material efficiency.

Location

Furman Hall 108

Start Date

3-28-2026 10:00 AM

Presentation Format

Oral and Written

Group Project

No

COinS
 
Mar 28th, 10:00 AM

The Effects of Varying Kaolin Clay Concentrations on the Internal Temperature of Organic Gala Apples (Malus domestica) Exposed to Incandescent Light

Furman Hall 108

Refrigeration is the most common postharvest storage method for apples because it slows ripening and extends shelf life and transportation distance. However, refrigeration has limitations, including high energy use, negative environmental impacts, and the risk of storage disorders in fruit. The purpose of this study was to test whether kaolin clay could serve as a more sustainable and affordable alternative by reducing apple temperature through its reflective properties, which scatter light and limit heat absorption. It was hypothesized that increasing kaolin concentration would result in lower surface and core temperatures. Apples were treated with four kaolin concentrations (0, 1, 3, and 5 g/100 mL) and placed under an incandescent lamp. Surface temperatures were measured using an infrared thermometer, while core temperatures were measured using a temperature probe. Overall, higher kaolin concentrations produced lower apple temperatures, supporting the hypothesis. Statistical analysis showed significant differences in surface temperatures among treatments, F(3,116) = 118.24, p < 0.001, and significant differences in core temperatures, F(3,116) = 2.92, p = 0.010. Box plots and post hoc Fisher tests indicated no significant difference between the 3 g/100 mL and 5 g/100 mL treatments. Across multiple analyses, these two groups showed nearly identical mean temperatures and data values, suggesting that increasing kaolin concentration beyond 3 g/100 mL did not improve cooling performance. Because the higher concentration provided no added benefit, 3 g/100 mL was identified as the most effective treatment, balancing temperature reduction with material efficiency.