Polysaccharide Systems are of interest to a wide range of scientists and technologists, because of their special rheological properties. This book brings together research from all relevant disciplines to provide a link between rheological theory and industrial applications. The book begins with a comprehensive survey of the structure of polysaccharides, from molecular conformations in the solid state to supramolecular structures in solutions and gels. Chaper 2 reviews the main applications of polysaccharides in industry as specialty chemicals. The third chapter draws together the basic...

fudustrial uses of polysaccharides centre on their ability to thicken or structure many times their own weight of water, or in other words to control the rheology of hydrated systems. Until comparatively recently, however, objective characterisation of polysaccharide rheology, except in a few specialist research laboratories, was largely confined to compression of gels, simple measurements of solution viscosity, often in ill-defined geometries, and imitative tests intended to reflectproductperformance in specific areas ofend-use. Several factors have combined to bring a wider range of...