Issue 42, 2013

Hierarchical cross-linking in physical alginate gels: a rheological and dynamic light scattering investigation

Abstract

We investigate the dynamics of alginate gels, an important class of biopolymer-based viscoelastic materials, by combining mechanical tests and non-conventional, time-resolved light scattering methods. Two relaxation modes are observed upon applying a compressive or shear stress. Dynamic light scattering and diffusing-wave spectroscopy measurements reveal that these modes are associated with discontinuous rearrangement events that restructure the gel network via anomalous, non-diffusive microscopic dynamics. We show that these dynamics are due to both thermal activation and internal stress stored during gelation and propose a scenario where a hierarchy of cross-links with different life times is responsible for the observed complex behavior. Measurements at various temperatures and sample ages are presented to support this scenario.

Graphical abstract: Hierarchical cross-linking in physical alginate gels: a rheological and dynamic light scattering investigation

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
24 Jul 2013
Accepted
02 Sep 2013
First published
02 Sep 2013

Soft Matter, 2013,9, 10005-10015

Hierarchical cross-linking in physical alginate gels: a rheological and dynamic light scattering investigation

D. Larobina and L. Cipelletti, Soft Matter, 2013, 9, 10005 DOI: 10.1039/C3SM52006D

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