Seven saturated polyglycolysed glycerides (Gelucires) of melting point
s varying from 42 to 53 degrees C and hydrophilic-lipophilic balance v
alues from 2 to 14 were selected. Their theological behaviour was dete
rmined by adjustment of the flow curves to the Ostwald power-law and b
y statistical assessment of the flow index. The flow of Gelucires was
slightly shear thickening. This shear thickening rose when the tempera
ture and the lipophilic specificity of the Gelucire increased. This be
haviour accounted for a reorganization of the particles under the shea
r which became easier when the temperature increased and when the degr
ee of condensation of the polyethylene glycol chains decreased with li
pophilicity of the Gelucires.