Resolving the structural transition of aqueous alginate dispersion and calcium cross-linked gel using strain-rate frequency superposition

Abstract

In contrast with standard oscillatory measurements, the strain-rate frequency superposition (SRFS) technique, a recently proposed approach to oscillatory rheology, is used to investigate the rheological properties of aqueous alginate dispersions and calcium cross-linked gels. Calcium-alginate gel behaves more solid-like, representing a viscoelastic solid, while the aqueous dispersion is more liquid-like, representing a viscoelastic liquid. In this study, SRFS revealed the differences in the structural relaxation of aqueous alginate dispersion and calcium cross-linked gel hence it can be used to resolve structural transition of viscoelastic materials.