Rheology
Rheology is a branch of physics, and it is the science that deals with the deformation and flow of materials, both solids and liquids.
In ceramics, the rheological analysis is required to study the behavior of a fluid or to manage, regulate and reach a specific behavior.
A glaze applied by means of spray systems, for example, should be marked by a very low viscosity when subjected to a high flow speed.
Viscosity value must be higher, instead, when the flow speed is zero, preventing possible sedimentation phenomena when the glaze is at rest.
During the wet grinding process, for example, it is also important to check and provide clay suspensions with the proper rheological features by using specific dispersant agents able to prevent gelling phenomena (both before and after the discharging process).
Rheological parameters are usually measured by means of viscometers and rheometers.
Although we don't know, we all have daily contact with rheology: this happens, for example, when we define a material as flexible, rigid, viscous, creamy, gelatinous, etc …
To properly develop their action, a lot of products that surround us must be marked by specific rheological properties.
