Influence of temperature on the rheological behavior of a new fucose-containing bacterial exopolysaccharide

The effect of temperature on the rheology of a new fucose-containing extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) was evaluated. The steady state data revealed a shear-thinning behavior, with the viscosity being immediately recovered when the shear rate was decreased. The mechanical spectra indicated viscous solutions with entangled polymer molecules in the range of temperatures studied (from 15 °C to 65 °C). In addition, the Time-Temperature Superposition principle was successfully applied and the Cox-Merz rule was valid, reinforcing the idea of a thermorheologically simple behavior for the EPS in aqueous solution. Furthermore, the viscous and viscoelastic properties at 25 °C were maintained after consecutive heating and cooling cycles, indicating a good thermal stability under temperature fluctuations.