Solution interactions and rheology of N-[2-(glycosyloxy)-ethyl]chitosan derivatives

Abstract Aqueous solutions of N -[2-(glycosyloxy)ethyl]chitosans have been studied by steady-shear rheometry over an intermediate shear-rate range (1–2500 s −1 ). The power law has been found to be a suitable model for characterizing the rheological behavior of these solutions over the shear-rate ranged examined. In general, solution viscosity and pseudoplasticity increased as the degree of substitution (d.s.) decreased. This trend also applied to measurements of intrinsic viscosity. The solution of derivatives having pendant lactose residues were less viscous than those having equivalent pendant monosaccharide substitution. It was also found that derivatives bearing neutral monosaccharide branches interacted with xanthan polymer in solution.