Viscoelastic Effects on the Diffusion Properties of Curdlan Gels

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2621.2003.tb07018.x
• Publication Date: 2006-07-20T09:46:55Z
• Authors: Y.M. Lo; K.L. Robbins; S. Argin‐Soysal; L.N. Sadar
• Keywords: Curdlan; Polymer network

ABSTRACT: The diffusion properties of curdlan gels were characterized against its viscoelastic behavior. With increased junction zones involved in rigid crosslinks higher concentration gels, the three‐dimensional structure is characteristic. As gel increases, intermolecular crosslinking and apparent viscosity increase, reducing mobility polymer chains with slower release rates. scaling laws confirmed that network corresponds to a good solvent at semi‐dilute regime. Diffusion entrapped agent 6% resembled pseudo‐controlled behavior, further increase might produce microspheres support sustained release.