Preparation Methodology and Rheological Properties of Yield Pseudoplastic Transparent Fluids

This article presents a preparation methodology for making clear yield pseudoplastic fluids so that repetitive and consistent rheological measurements can be made using two types of Carbopol 980 and Carbopol Ultrez-10. The methodology calls for gentle agitation while dispersing the polymer, leaving it static for 30 minutes for air bubble removal and neutralization while agitating with NaOH followed by 1 hour for the 980 type and 5 hours for the Ultrez-10. Results are presented for the change of rheological parameters with polymer type, polymer concentration, with hydration time, and temperature. Almost all samples exhibited rheological behavior which could be very well described by the Herschel-Bulkley rheological model. Carbopol 980 solutions appear to be very suitable as model clear yield pseudoplastic fluids while Ultrez-10 solutions present some peculiarities rendering them not so suitable as model fluids.