AbstractMathematical expressions relating shear stress, shear rate and time of shear for aqueous solutions of amylose and amylopectin, respectively, are developed from models based on the concept of the single‐point network association link, similar to that of C. F. Goodeve. The model for amylose solutions is as follows. (a) Molecules are joined by association links in a loose network in solutions at rest; (b) the network, though resisting shear, is disrupted by shear; (c) the linear amylose molecules of helical, rod‐like configuration becomes parallel‐oriented under shear, this orientation being less favorable for reformation of the links. The shear stress on the solution at constant shear rate is predicted to decrease with time, the ultimate relation between shear stress and shear rate being pseudoplastic. For solutions of amylopectin, the following model is suggested. (a) Network association links exist between the highly‐branched, roughly spherical molecules in solutions at rest; (b) disruption of these links occurs under shear, but since the molecules are spherical, orientation unfavorable to reformation of links cannot occur; (c) it is assumed that the rates of destruction and reformation are about equal, but that as shear rates increase, the number of links existing at any time decreases. Thus, the shear stress‐shear rate relation is predicted to be pseudoplastic but independent of time of shear. These conclusions and the mathematical expressions derived from the models are supported by experimental data obtained with a coaxial‐eylinder viscometer so designed that shear stress is recorded versus time of shear over a wide range of shear rates. Temperature was closely controlled at 49°C. to avoid gelation.