Measuring the critical gelation temperature, Tgel, of
thermoreversible polymers has long been problematic.1 Tgel
is defined as the temperature above which a gel will not
form. However, as the setting temperature is increased, the
time required for a gel to form, tgel , increases exponentially.
Thus, because tgel just below Tgel is so long, it is difficult to
determine Tgel accurately without waiting for extended periods
of time.