Linear and nonlinear rheological properties of tunicate cellulose solution

The solution properties of tunicate cellulose (TC) were investigated with respect to variations in molecular weight. The linear and non-linear rheological measurements showed that the chain-entanglements of TC molecules in solution were stiff enough to be released within a short time scale, and the behavior depended on the molecular weight of cellulose and the solution concentration. However, the concentration dependence became weaker when the molecular weight was lowered. The infrared spectra of TC solutions indicated that many intermolecular hydrogen bonds were formed with higher concentrations. This concentration dependence was consistent with that of the damping function.