Investigation of the dependences of the rheology of calcium alginate solutions on concentration, temperature and shear rate
The main problem: The rheological properties of calcium salts are of theoretical and practical interest for a modern researcher. The theoretical interest is primarily related to the search for general patterns and manifestations of the rheological properties of solutions of calcium salts. The practical component is based on the search for patterns and dependencies of the properties of solutions on the structure and composition of the object of study. Such chemicals as calcium salts are of particular practical interest, they are widely used in various fields, such as the food, chemical and pharmacological industries. Hydrophilic high-molecular solutions of alginates, namely calcium alginate, are actively used in the preparation of soft dosage forms, the manufacture of jelly masses in confectionery, act as thickeners in the food industry. They are characterized by a fairly high percentage of viscosity at low concentrations, bioavailability, prolonging effect, absence of irritating properties, biocompatibility with many polymers, which is especially important in the pharmaceutical industry and medicine. The use of calcium salts for these purposes is currently very promising, since these organic salts have a number of unique properties associated with gelation. Purpose: This paper contains the results of studying the features of the rheology of calcium alginate solutions. A concentration range of 0.1-0.7 % was chosen for the studies, which is sufficient to avoid gelation at room temperature. The dependence of viscosity on concentration, temperature (in the range of 25-45 °C) and shear rate were studied. Methods: Analysis of theoretical sources, observation, comparison of results. The rheological characteristics of the obtained substances were studied using a capillary viscometer. The measurements were carried out in the temperature range of 25-45°C. Results and their significance: it was found that there is a significant dependence of viscosity on concentration and temperature. For concentrations of 0.3 – 0.7 %, a similar type of dependence is observed, in contrast to solutions with a concentration of 0.1 % . Explanations of these dependencies were proposed.