Effect of size and shape of particulate inclusions on the rheology of guar galactomannan solutions

In our earlier work, the effects of particulate inclusions on the rheological properties of a guar galactomannan entanglement solution were studied. Filler materials varying in size and shape were investigated including a rice starch sample, chosen for its homogeneity and spherical nature. In the present paper, the work has been extended to include microcrystalline cellulose selected for its rod-like appearance and heterogeneous nature. The effects of particulate and composite properties on the apparent zero-shear viscosity and yield stress of the system were determined, and compared with previous results obtained using the more isotropic rice starch filler