Quick questions regarding gel.

Shroom Man 777 · Post by **Shroom Man 777** » 2005-11-30 07:47am

Chemistry question, about those gels formed from colloidal solutions.

1.) What is the influence of temperature in the formation of gel?

and

2.) Why do we have to cool the gel after heating it?

Thanks, guys.

Sriad · Post by **Sriad** » 2005-12-01 12:51pm

You can learn a lot by going here.

tharkûn · Post by **tharkûn** » 2005-12-02 11:00pm

1.) What is the influence of temperature in the formation of gel?

Short answer: Break down bonds and 'unwind' the alpha helical structure of collagen.

2.) Why do we have to cool the gel after heating it?

Short answer: Let the apha helices reset. Given the inclusion of water the collagen forms macromolecular structures with water trapped in voids. This gives you everything needed for gelation.