Rheological behaviour of dextran sulfate solutions

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of this research was to study the rheological behaviour of dextran sulfate solutions under different conditions. A PC controlled rotational viscometer with a cone and plate geometry equipped with a temperature controlled unit was used to measure apparent viscosity of dextran solutions at different temperatures (25, 40 and 60 oC) and concentrations (2, 5, 10 and 20%). Viscosity tests of dextran sulfate solutions were performed at a range of shear rates (8-230 1/s) and the rheological data were fitted using the Power Law equation to get consistency and flow behaviour indices. The results indicated that all dextran sulfate solutions showed Newtonian flow behaviour. The viscosity of dextran sulfate solutions was significantly affected by temperature, e.g. the viscosity of a 5% solution at 25, 40 and 60 oC was 16.7, 12.7 and 10.7 mPa.s, respectively.