Viscosity-stability of aqueous solutions of certain hydrophilic polymers.
The viscosity-stability of sodium carboxymethylcellulose and sodium alginate, in aqueous solution, has been investigated and the stereochemical features of these polymers, which may serve to explain the concentration effect, are discussed.
Abstract
The viscosity-stability of sodium carboxymethylcellulose and sodium alginate, in aqueous solution, has been investigated. The “viscosity half-life” of sodium carboxymethylcellulose decreases with increasing average molecular weight and increases with concentration. The “viscosity half-life” of sodium alginate also decreases with increasing molecular weight, but appears to be independent of concentration in the concentration range studied. The stereochemical features of these polymers, which may serve to explain the concentration effect, are discussed. The viscosity-stability of sodium alginate increases with increasing calcium content. Methods for a meaningful comparative evaluation of the viscosity-stability characteristics of hydrophilic polymers are discussed.