Effect of concentration and temperature on the rheological behavior of hydroxylethyl cellulose solutions

Abstract

The knowledge of the rheological properties of polymers makes their use interesting in various fields of applications, such as food industry, cosmetics, enhanced oil recovery or construction materials. Whatever the application, the effect of temperature and concentration on these properties is of great importance. This study covered a wide range of concentrations from 0.2 w/% to 1 w/%, and temperatures from 10 °C to 80 °C. The results obtained provide interesting information regarding the effects of the temperature and concentration of the aqueous solutions of the polymer since they reveal that the rheological properties remained practically unchanged in the temperature range considered. The impacts of shear rate, temperature and concentration on the flow behavior were analyzed. Small-amplitude oscillatory shear measurements were performed, and the results obtained show that the apparent viscosity is strongly influenced by the concentration of the aqueous solution of HEC, exhibiting a marked non-Newtonian shear-thinning behavior at different temperatures. The flow behavior is well described by several rheological models. The effect of temperature on the kinematic viscosity was fitted with the Arrhenius model; the behavior of this model in relation to experimental viscosity values was suitable and the linear fit showed good regression coefficients. The dynamic state was well described with the generalized Maxwell model