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H.H. Paradies, P. Quitschau, I. Pischel
Structure and Properties of Calcium Pyruvate in Aqueous Solutions
The dynamic behaviour of calcium pyruvate, Ca(pyr)2, were studied by light scattering and rheology measurements at dilute and semi-dilute concentrations in aqueous solutions at 20°C. The formation of a stabilized film of Ca(pyr)2 were studied and the rheological properties of the films have been measured above the overlap weight concentration, Φ* = 0.9% (w/w), where viscoelastic properties were found to develop. SCEM and Brewster-Angle-Microscopy images indicate that the aggregates of Ca(pyr)2 are elongated in shape with an average length scale of 20 μm. However these particles are in close contact and form fractal clusters with df = 1.75. The determined radii of gyration and the rheology measurements are consistent with a network of cross-linked aggregates with elastic properties even under biochemical relevant concentrations (5-10 mM). Considering the low overlap weight fraction Φ*, and the radius of gyration (Rg = 21.0 nm) of the individual clusters for Φ < Φ*, the observed large clusters of 20-30 μm of Ca(pyr)2 in solution for Φ > Φ* seem to be rather elongated than spherical.
Zeitschrift für Physikalische Chemie, Oldenbourg Wissenschaftsverlag
Print ISSN: 0942-9352
Volume: 214, 03/2000
Pages: 301