Rousselot

Because of its structure and the presence of ionic charges along the chain, Rousselot Gelatine has a very good solubility and exhibits water-binding capacity. Gelatine swells either in cold or warm water, and can bind up to 10 times its own weight of water. High concentration solutions (up to 50%) can be obtained using various methods. To reach total solubilization in a short time, gelatine requires rather low temperature from 50-60 to 90-95°C. Gelatine is practically insoluble in common organic solvents.

Gelatine solutions show a workable viscosity even at low temperature (50- 70°C) compared to other hydrocolloids, for which introduction rates are limited. They exhibit the properties of a Newtonian fluid above 40°C. A concentrated gelatine solution can be kept at 55 - 60°c for 4 to max. 6 hours without significant degradation. Beyond this time and temperature, the gelatine properties can be degraded all the more if solution pH is acid (below 5) or alkaline (above 8), or if concentration is low.

A gelatine solutions sets below a given temperature, typically between 20 and 29°C. This Setting temperature depends on the gelatine type, the concentration, its gel strength and viscosity. This gelation process is due to a rearrangement of individual molecular chains into a more or less ordered network of helical arrangements. Gelatine gels are viscoelastic materials with the properties of both solid and liquid. Resilience and hardness of gelatine are given by Bloom level and viscosity.