Understanding Thixotropy: Properties and Applications

Thixotropy is a time-dependent shear thinning property observed in certain non-Newtonian fluids and gels. Unlike Newtonian fluids, which have a constant viscosity regardless of the applied stress, thixotropic materials exhibit a decrease in viscosity over time when subjected to shear stress. Once the stress is removed, they gradually return to their original, more viscous state. This reversible process is crucial for applications that require dynamic changes in material properties.