A Research on Rheological Behavior of Aqueous Solutions of Pomegranate Peel Powder

Abstract

Determining the viscosity of pomegranate peel powder (PPP) can aid in product development, process optimization, quality control, ingredient interactions, and scientific research related to pomegranate peel-based products or formulations. Therefore, in this study, the rheological behavior of dried and ground pomegranate peel has been investigated. The apparent viscosities of pomegranate peel solutions prepared with distilled water are measured by a rotational viscometer. The viscosity of the pomegranate peel solution at each concentration is measured at shear rates varying between 2.64 s-1 and 22 s-1 at constant temperature (25 °C). When the effect of concentration on apparent viscosity has been examined, it is observed that the viscosity rises with increasing concentration at a constant shear rate. Among the rheological models studied, Power model provides a good fit for the experimental viscosity data of aqueous solutions of pomegranate peel powder at different concentrations. The consistency coefficient and the flow behavior index are calculated using the power law model and the solutions have been found to exhibit pseudoplastic behavior.