Influence of hydroxyethylcellulose concentration on the technological properties of gels

The study showed that gel production method using neutralizer is simplier than using magnetic stirrer. It was found that the gel production method significantly influences the viscosity. However, In order to reduce time, it is recommended to produce gel using the neutralizer. The study showed that the gel formation time is not affected by different hydroxyethylcellulose concentrations. By increasing concentration of hydroxyethylcellulose, viscosity increased. 1,5% gel viscosity without neutralizer is 49,70% higher compared with the gel, which is neutralized by 1 percent 10% trolamine solution. It was found that gel mixing time does not affect gel viscosity and physical stability. Furthemore, the results showed that gels, which were produced at 100° C temperature, are more viscous, than gels, which were produced at 40 °C temperature. Thus, it is recommended to produce gel by using higher temperature. The further study showed that the interaction between hydroxyethylcellulose and hydrophilic / hydrophobic materials does not affect the stability of gels. It was found that 1 % 90 percent lactic acid ensures complete stability of gel. The study showed that in order to ensure slower sedimentation and better distribution of zinc oxide particles, gel should be mixed 5 minutes 400 r/min