RHEOLOGICAL BEHAVIOR OF INFANT FOODS

The theological properties of four different infant foods were studied . Flow of all samples showed time dependence, which was qualitatively evaluated and quantitatively described by the Weltman and Hahn models. Rheological data were obtained at a constant shear rate of 57.6 s(-1) . These foods showed coefficients of thixotropic breakdown between 4.3 4 Pa.s and 16.69 Pa.s. Values of the Hahn equation parameter were: p f rom 1.25 to 1.93 Pa and a from 0.019 to 0.031 s(-1). The results showe d that the Weltman equation was better than the Hahn equation in descr ibing the thixotropic behaviour of these foods. After eliminating time dependency, flow was adequately described by the Herschel-Bulkley mod el.