Characterization and Modeling of the viscoelastic behavior of hydrocolloid-based films using classical and fractional rheological models

Abstract

Hydrocolloid-based films are a good alternative in the development of biodegradable films due to their properties, such as non-toxicity, functionality, and biodegradability, among others. In this work, films based on hydrocolloids (gellan gum, carrageenan, and guar gum) were formulated, evaluating their dynamic rheological behavior and creep and recovery. Maxwell’s classical and fractional rheological models were implemented to describe its viscoelastic behavior, using the Vortex Search Algorithm for the estimation of the parameters. The hydrocolloid-based films showed a viscoelastic behavior, where the behavior of the storage modulus (G ) and loss modulus (G00) indicated a greater elastic behavior (G 0 > G00 ). The Maxwell fractional model with two spring-pots showed an optimal fit of the experimental data of storage modulus (G0) and loss modulus (G00) and a creep compliance (J) (Fmin < 0.1 and R 2 > 0.98). This shows that fractional models are an excellent alternative for describing the dynamic rheological behavior and creep recovery of films. These results show the importance of estimating parameters that allow for the dynamic rheological and creep behaviors of hydrocolloid-based films for applications in the design of active films because they allow us to understand their behavior from a rheological point of view, which can contribute to the design and improvement of products such as food coatings, food packaging, or other applications containing biopolymers.