Pectin-based microgels for rheological modification in the dilute to concentrated regimes.

Hypothesis: A novel range of microgel particles of different internal cross-linking densities can be created by covalently cross-linking sugar beet pectin (SBP) with the enzyme laccase and mechanically breaking down the subsequent parent hydrogels to sugar beet pectin microgels (SBPMG) via shearing. The bulk rheological properties of suspensions of the different SBPMG are expected to depend on the microgel morphology, elasticity (crosslinking density) and volume fraction respectively.

Experiments: The rheology of both dilute and concentrated dispersions of SBPMG were studied in detail via capillary viscometry and shear rheometry, supplemented by information on particle size and shape from static light scattering, confocal microscopy and electron microscopy.

Findings: For dilute suspensions of SBPMG, data for viscosity versus effective volume fraction (ɸ) falls on a 'master' curve for all 3 types of SBPMG. In the more concentrated regime, the softer microgels allow greater packing and interpenetration and give lower viscosities at the same ɸ, but all 3 types of microgel give much higher viscosities than the equivalent concentration of 'non-microgelled' pectin. The firmer microgels can be concentrated to achieve elasticities equivalent to the original parent hydrogel. All SBPMG suspensions were extremely shear thinning but showed virtually no time-dependence.