Current trends in suspension rheology

The complex rheological behaviour Of Suspensions is very strongly affected by the details of the microstructure and the interparticle forces by which it is controlled. The difficulties involved in characterizing the microstructure, in particular during flow, Caused the development of suspension rheology to lag behind that of polymer rheology. Progress in theory, experiments and simulation is rapidly changing the picture, providing opportunities for further significant developments. Possible evolutions in six areas Of Suspension rheology are discussed here. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.