Effect of electrolytes on the rheological properties of microcrystalline cellulose gels

The rheological properties of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) gels, obtained by dispersing in different electrolyte (salt, hydroxide, acid) solutions the wood pulp destructed to the levelling-off degree of polymerization were investigated. It has been found that, in all electrolyte solutions at the cellulose concentration ł 8%, MCC gels with rheological properties characteristic for liquid crystalline polymers are obtained. The values of the rheological characteristics depend on the chosen electrolyte. When dispersing the destructed pulp in salt solutions, the rheological indices are affected by the presence of both cations and anions in the solution. Cations promote gel formation, which results in obtaining of MCC gels with greater viscosity and yield stress, but the effect of anions is opposite. In hydroxide solutions, the values of the rheological indices (viscosity, yield stress) grow as the pH value increases, while, in acid solutions, they change little and tend to grow with decreasing the pH value. The connection of the obtained relationships with the effect of the investigated electrolytes on the z-potential of the cellulose particles present in MCC gels is considered.