Ask Difference

Thixotropic vs. Pseudoplastic — What's the Difference?

By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 21, 2024
Thixotropic substances become less viscous over time under constant shear stress, whereas pseudoplastic materials also decrease in viscosity with increasing shear rate but recover immediately once the stress is removed.
Thixotropic vs. Pseudoplastic — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Thixotropic and Pseudoplastic

ADVERTISEMENT

Key Differences

Thixotropic substances, such as certain gels and creams, exhibit a decrease in viscosity when subjected to a constant shear stress over time. This property is crucial in applications where a material needs to flow or be spread easily when agitated or stressed but retain its shape or thickness when at rest. Pseudoplastic substances, on the other hand, such as ketchup or blood, also become less viscous as the shear rate increases, but this behavior is not time-dependent. Their viscosity decreases with increased stress but returns to the original state immediately when the stress ceases.
The key distinction between thixotropic and pseudoplastic substances lies in the time dependency of their behavior under shear stress. Thixotropic materials require a certain amount of time under constant stress to exhibit a significant reduction in viscosity, making them ideal for applications where gradual changes in material flow are beneficial. Pseudoplastic materials react immediately to changes in shear stress without a time-dependent component, which is advantageous in situations where quick adjustments to material flow are necessary.
In terms of recovery, thixotropic materials take time to regain their original viscosity once the shear stress is removed, which can be an important feature in processes where the material needs to remain in place after application. Pseudoplastic materials, however, recover their viscosity immediately after the removal of stress, which is useful in applications where rapid return to initial viscosity is required.
The measurement and analysis of thixotropic and pseudoplastic behaviors are essential for understanding material performance in various applications, such as in the formulation of paints, cosmetics, and food products. The thixotropic property is often desirable in materials that need to maintain a certain shape or consistency after application, while pseudoplasticity is sought after in products that need to be easily spread or pumped but resist flowing under their own weight.
Both thixotropic and pseudoplastic materials play crucial roles in industrial and consumer applications, with their unique properties tailored to meet specific requirements. Understanding the differences between these behaviors allows for the optimization of material formulations and the design of products with desired performance characteristics under varying stress conditions.
ADVERTISEMENT

Comparison Chart

Viscosity Change

Decreases over time under constant shear stress.
Decreases immediately with increasing shear rate.

Time Dependency

Yes, viscosity reduction is time-dependent.
No, reacts immediately to shear stress without delay.

Recovery

Takes time to regain original viscosity after stress.
Recovers original viscosity immediately after stress.

Application Examples

Paints, gels, and certain adhesives.
Ketchup, blood, and many polymer solutions.

Ideal Use

Situations requiring gradual flow change or shape retention.
Applications needing easy spread or flow with quick recovery.

Compare with Definitions

Thixotropic

Slowly regains viscosity when stress is removed.
Once applied, thixotropic adhesives retain their shape due to slow viscosity recovery.

Pseudoplastic

Viscosity decreases with increasing shear rate.
Pseudoplastic fluids like ketchup flow easily when squeezed.

Thixotropic

Exhibits a gradual response to applied stress.
Thixotropic fluids start thick but become fluid under sustained stress.

Pseudoplastic

Regains original viscosity once stress ceases.
Once the squeezing stops, ketchup stops flowing and retains its shape.

Thixotropic

Viscosity decreases over time under constant shear.
A thixotropic gel becomes easier to spread with continuous stirring.

Pseudoplastic

Thins out quickly under stress.
Pseudoplastic inks flow under pen pressure, then thicken on paper.

Thixotropic

Used in formulations needing controlled flow.
Thixotropic sealants are easy to apply yet maintain robustness.

Pseudoplastic

Common in food, cosmetics, and inks.
Pseudoplastic creams spread smoothly and return to original consistency.

Thixotropic

Ideal for materials requiring shape retention.
Thixotropic paints stay where applied without dripping.

Pseudoplastic

Ideal for products requiring ease of flow and stability.
Pseudoplastic lubricants provide smooth application and stable coating.

Thixotropic

The property exhibited by certain gels of becoming fluid when stirred or shaken and returning to the semisolid state upon standing.

Pseudoplastic

(physics) Whose viscosity decreases as shear stress increases (as with paint and ketchup, for example).

Thixotropic

Becoming a fluid when agitated but solid or semi-solid when allowed to stand.

Pseudoplastic

Any material that exhibits pseudoplasticity

Common Curiosities

Why is thixotropy important in paints?

Thixotropy in paints allows for easy application (low viscosity when stirred or applied) and prevents dripping (increased viscosity when still).

xWhat is thixotropy?

Thixotropy is a property of some fluids that become less viscous over time when a constant shear stress is applied.

What does pseudoplastic mean?

Pseudoplastic refers to fluids that decrease in viscosity with an increase in shear rate, without the viscosity change being dependent on time.

How do thixotropic and pseudoplastic substances differ?

The primary difference lies in time dependency; thixotropic substances change viscosity over time under stress, while pseudoplastic substances change immediately with shear rate.

Can a substance be both thixotropic and pseudoplastic?

Yes, a substance can exhibit both properties, showing immediate shear thinning and further viscosity reduction over time.

What makes ketchup a pseudoplastic fluid?

Ketchup flows easily when squeezed (high shear rate) but thickens when left undisturbed, demonstrating pseudoplastic behavior.

What role does pseudoplasticity play in food products?

Pseudoplasticity ensures food products like sauces or dressings pour easily yet retain their shape on a plate.

How do pseudoplastic fluids behave under no stress?

Under no stress, pseudoplastic fluids return to their original, more viscous state.

How is thixotropy measured?

Thixotropy is measured by observing the decrease in viscosity of a substance over time under constant shear stress.

Can thixotropic substances be used in 3D printing?

Yes, thixotropic materials are advantageous in 3D printing for their ability to flow under pressure and then maintain shape.

How does temperature affect thixotropic behavior?

Temperature can affect the rate at which a thixotropic substance recovers its viscosity; higher temperatures typically reduce recovery time.

What is a practical example of a thixotropic substance in everyday life?

Toothpaste is a common thixotropic substance; it flows easily from the tube when squeezed but holds its shape on the brush.

Are all gels thixotropic?

Not all gels are thixotropic; the property depends on the gel's composition and structure.

Share Your Discovery

Share via Social Media
Embed This Content
Embed Code
Share Directly via Messenger
Link
Previous Comparison
Viceregent vs. Vicegerent
Next Comparison
GDP vs. GNP

Author Spotlight

Written by
Urooj Arif
Urooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza Rafique
Fiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.

Popular Comparisons

Trending Comparisons

New Comparisons

Trending Terms