Flow properties of aluminium soap-hydrocarbon systems

Abstract

Organogels prepared from aluminium stearate and liquid paraffin in concentrations of 0·5 to 17·0% by weight were examined using a rotational viscometer fitted with cone and plate. Parameters used to characterize the flow curves of these gels were plastic viscosity, apparent viscosity at fixed rates of shear and the estimated area of the hysteresis loop. The influence of temperature and aluminium stearate concentration on the shapes of the curves was examined. Concentration of aluminium stearate and temperature were found to influence both thixotropic behaviour and the rate of recovery after shear. A minimum concentration of 1·5 to 2·0% by weight of aluminium stearate appeared to be necessary for the formation of the gel structure.