Droplet deformation and break-up under shear: Hydrocolloid solution vs. suspension of starch granules

Shear induced deformation and rupture of two types of droplets, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) aqueous solution and modified waxy maize suspension, were studied and compared using a counter-rotating rheo-optical set-up. The motivation of the work was to explain the difference observed in flavour perception of food products thickened by these two fluids. A droplet of either fluid was placed into silicon oil and deformation and break-up were monitored as a function of applied shear stress and strain. It was found that starch suspension droplets broke up at lower deformation stress and strain than HPMC solution droplets despite viscosity ratio and capillary number suggesting the opposite. It is hypothesised that the ease with which droplets thickened by starch break-up is responsible for their rapid mixing with saliva.

Graphical abstractDemonstration of an “easier” shear induced break-up of starch suspension droplet (a) as compared with no break-up of HPMC solution droplet (b) despite that viscosity ratio, interfacial tension and capillary number suggest the opposite.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide