Rheology of Microcrystalline Cellulose and Sodiumcarboxymethyl Cellulose hydrogels using a controlled stress...

Rheological properties of two different commercial grades of Microcrystalline Cellulose/Sodiumcarboxymethyl Cellulose (MCC/NaCMC) hydrogels were investigated. Viscoelastic characterization of the hydrogels using a controlled stress rheometer revealed that structure formation in the gels could be detected at a concentration as low as 1.0% w/w MCC/NaCMC in purified water. The elastic modulus (G') and the linear viscoelastic region (LVR) increased with increase in hydrogel concentration. The frequency sweep study of the hydrogels exhibited a flat G', indicating a stable structure at 1.5% w/w and 2.0% w/w concentrations. The oscillation time sweep study indicated that the rate of structure build up was dependent on the concentration of hydrogel. Structure buildup at various temperatures indicated that structure formation was rapid at higher temperature (40 degrees C), and the gel point was reached fairly quickly. Phase volume of the hydrogel significantly influenced structural recovery at different temperatures.