SYNERESIS OF k-CARRAGEENAN GELS AT DIFFERENT KCI AND LBG CONCENTRATIONS

ABSTRACT Measurements to quantify the degree of syneresis in k-Carrageenan gels at different KCI and LBG concentrations have been undertaken. The time evolution of static and dynamic light scattering measurements have been used during the syneresis process to examine the formation mechanisms and nature of the gel structure in these complex systems. Optical microscopy has been used to confirm the interpretation of the data using the above techniques. The k-Carrageenan gels are heterogeneous on micron length scales which vary with the added KCI concentration.