10 Ways To...Control Rheology By Changing Particle Properties (Size, Zeta Potential And Shape)

Many materials in use today are disperse systems where one substance (often particulate) is dispersed in another phase. These material types include adhesives, agrochemicals, cement, ceramics, colloids, cosmetics and personal care formulations, food and drink, mining and mineral slurries, paints, inks and surface coatings, pharmaceuticals and polymer systems.

In the inks industry, the understanding of rheology and particle properties allows solid pigment content to be changed in different formulations whilst maintaining the critical rheological haracteristics required for optimized printing.

In the cement industry, the understanding of rheology and particle properties, such as the aggregate morphology, allows flow behaviour during processing and application to be controlled. In the Cosmetics and Personal Care industries, it is essential to understand the relationship between rheology and particle properties to provide the optimum balance in terms of formulation, consumer acceptance and application performance.