Effect of Silica Nanoparticles in Xanthan Gum Solutions: Evolution of Viscosity over Time

The effect of silica nanoparticles (NP-SiO₂) in xanthan gum (XG) solutions was investigated through the analysis of viscosity profiles. First, hydrocolloid XG solutions and hydrophilic NP-SiO₂ suspensions were characterized individually through rheological measurements, with and without salt (NaCl). Then, nanofluids composed of XG and NP-SiO₂ dispersed in water and brine were studied through two different aging tests. The addition of nanoparticles was shown to produce a slight effect on the viscosity of the fresh fluids (initial time), while a more remarkable effect was observed over time. In particular, it appears that the presence of NP-SiO₂ stabilizes the polymer solution by maintaining its viscosity level in time, due to a delay in the movement of the molecule. Finally, characterization techniques such as confocal microscopy, capillary rheometry, and Zeta potential were implemented to analyze the XG/NP-SiO₂ interaction. Intrinsic viscosity and relative viscosity were calculated to understand the molecular interactions. The presence of NP-SiO₂ increases the hydrodynamic radius of the polymer, indicating attractive forces between these two components. Furthermore, dispersion of the nanoparticles in the polymeric solutions leads to aggregates of an average size smaller than 300 nm with a good colloidal stability due to the electrostatic attraction between XG and NP-SIO₂. This study proves the existence of interactions between XG and NP-SiO₂ in solution.