Fluid Properties of Organic-Nanoparticle and Fumed Silica Systems for Gelled Materials

Gelled materials combine mechanical properties of liquids and solids. Knowing the rheological behavior of these systems is essential in many technological areas. The present paper presents a study on fluid properties of silica gels and HPC water systems containing aluminum oxide nanoparticles. Viscosity measurements for silica‐hydrocarbon gels showed qualitatively evidence of thixotropicity in the fluid with no viscosity recovery. Steady state and small amplitude oscillatory stress tests were performed for HPC water systems with the addition of metal nanoparticles, showing the particles effect on the viscosity and viscoelasticity of the fluid. No time dependence or thixotropy was observed for these samples.