CREEP MEASUREMENTS ON GELATIN GELS

The present work describes creep measurements on a series of concentrations of gelatin gels well above the critical gel concentration C0, using a high precision constant stress rheometer. Results for the concentration dependence of compliance are close to those expected both from theory and from dynamic oscillatory measurements of gel modulus. The concentration dependence of viscosity follows an approximate power law behaviour, with η ∝ C1.1. This exponent is consistent with relaxation in the sol fraction, and in regions of dangling chain attached to the gel. At concentrations closer to C0 we predict that a higher power law regime will prevail. © 1990.