Thixotropy Flashcards
What is Thixotropy?
A characteristic behavior that some non-newtonion fluids will show. It is the reversible, time dependant change in viscosity. It is NOT a type of flow.
What happens to the particles in Thixotrophy?
The particles in a thixotropic material build themselves into a loose 3-dimensional gel like structure in water.
What happens to thixotropic material when shear force is added?
When add shear force e.g. shake the bonds formed and the particels will line up and flow easier (fall out of the gel-like structure). The more force is added, the more particle sline up and the lower the viscosity.
What happens over time if no more force is applied to a thixotrophic formulation?
The particles build themselves up again into a loose-3 dimensional gel like structure
How would a pseudoplastic Thixotrophic material graph look?
Adding a liitle force will cause a slow response straight away but not linear, then as more force is applied the response becomes greater until linear. Once shear stress is stopped, it continues to flow at a quick rate as the bonds have been broken and the particles have aligned. The rate will eventually slow as the gel like structure re-forms.
