
Thixotropic fluids are gel-like at rest but then become continually less viscous the longer they are agitated.Dilatant fluids experience shear thickening, where increased shear rate increases viscosity.Pseudoplastic fluids experience shear thinning, where stress causes them to thin (like the spreading behavior of paint on a wall).Within that category there are four types: thixotropic, rheopectic, pseudoplastic, and dilatant. Paint is a non-Newtonian fluid its viscosity changes under the influence of force. The type of viscosity exhibited by a paint or coating is important regarding how it is applied and used.

Non-Newtonian fluids do not follow this proportional relationship – as a non-Newtonian fluid is sheared, its viscosity decreases or increases. For Newtonian fluids, viscosity is a constant that depends on the temperature and pressure of the liquid. The different types of fluids can also have different flow properties. Fluids are described as being either Newtonian or non-Newtonian. There are several factors that affect the viscosity of a substance such as a coating. Measuring flow and what it means for coatings In this article we take a look at viscometers, how they work, the variety of viscometer types, and where to find viscometer suppliers and instruments in the United Kingdom. There are a range of viscometer types and methods but ultimately, they all define viscosity as a unit of measurement which can make sense of an important factor in coating application. Simply put, viscometers measure a fluid’s flow resistance.

The viscosity of a fluid is a measure of its internal friction, the resistance to deformation by tensile stress or shear stress – what we might perceive as its thickness or resistance to flow. Inconsistent colour, an imperfect finish, texture imperfections, the need for reworking or excessive addition solvent and pigment or dye can all be a result of the wrong viscosity. Viscosity problems can completely derail a coating application. Viscometer helps define the coating’s viscosity and master quality control
