Composite oleogels are substitutes for solid fats which contain vegetable oil, a filler, and a crystalline lipid-based structurant. The need for high mass concentrations of filler and limited oil binding restricts their application in the food and cosmetic industries. To address these limitations we propose using 2D ultrasound standing waves (USSW) to enhance the mechanical properties of composite oleogels. Under USSW, the solid fillers are structured into an additional scaffold, further reinforcing the oleogel network. To explore this approach, we developed a custom-built testing device that allows to generate 2D USSW of different spatial distribution. The mechanical properties of treated oleogels compared to untreated counterparts were evaluated using uniaxial compression test. Following sonication, a distinct internal pattern was observed within the samples. As an example, uniaxial compression testing revealed a 35 % increase in yield strength and a three-fold increase in elastic modulus. Our results show that using USSW allows to modulate the mechanical behavior of composite oleogels to fit the needed application without modifying their formulation.
