FUNDAMENTAL STUDY OF CLAY: VI, FLOW PROPERTIES OF KAOLINITE‐WATER SUSPÉNSIONS*

Abstract

A bstract The flow properties of six monodisperse kaolinite fractions were studied over a large range of concentration. From these results, it has been possible to set up an equation relating viscosity to concentration which holds over a very wide range. Equations relating concentration to thixotropy and to the yield point which have general application could also be established. The viscosity of a suspension is obtained from the sum of three quantities, namely, those contributed by (1) the liquid, (2) the individual particle, and (3) the collisions of the particles. Thixotropy is found to be due to the sum of two quantities, namely, the contribution of (1) the individual particle and (2) the interference of the particles. The yield point in these fractions was found to be proportional to the cube of the concentration. With these relations, it is possible to calculate the viscosity of a casting slip for any change in specific gravity.