Chapter 4 - Rheology of colloidal particle suspensions

Abstract

This article summarizes the series of different methodologies to evaluate rheology of colloidal particle suspensions and different approaches to correlate this macroscopic behavior with microscopic particle–particle interaction. This includes the coupling suspension yield stress and Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek forces, i.e., van der Waals and electrical double layer forces. This summary provides a better understanding of the basic phenomena associated, historical development, and current status of colloidal suspension rheology and also discusses its applicability and limitations/variations to different types of concentrated particle suspensions. Aqueous suspensions discussed are composed of colloidal particles, including polymers, and their nanocomposites with metal oxide/clay particles. The research gaps are identified and specific future perspectives are discussed to further enhance the use of suspension rheology and to aim for the transition from the evaluation of simple particle suspension systems to more complex particle suspension systems that fit more with the current and future industry needs in particle processing.