thixotropy
(θɪksəˈtrɒpɪ)
[ad. G. tixotropie (T. Péterfi 1927, in Arch. f. Entwicklungsmech. CXII. 689), f. Gr. θίξ-ις touching + -o + Gr. τροπ-ή turning: see -y3.]
The property of certain gels of becoming fluid when agitated and of reverting back to a gel when left to stand.
| 1927 Chem. Abstr. XXI. 1391 Thixotropy is the phenomenon that a coagulated sol can be liquefied by merely shaking and always again coagulated to a gel by stopping agitation. 1949 P. C. Carman Chem. Constitution & Properties Engin. Materials xiii. 379 This type of reversible gelation is known as thixotropy and is particularly strongly marked in montmorillonite clays. 1971 New Scientist 19 Aug. 435/2 How to demonstrate thixotropy with custard. |
Hence thixoˈtropic a., exhibiting or pertaining to thixotropy; thixoˈtropically adv.
| 1927 Chem. Abstr. XXI. 1391 (heading) Thixotropic behavior of aluminum hydroxide gels. 1947 Nature 11 Jan. 70/2 The range of thixotropic materials extends from the hardest solids, through doughs and pastes to liquids such as blood or milk. 1958 Woman 22 Feb. 11/2 Thixotropic paint is the non-spill type. 1963 Geol. Mag. C. 209 Nodules..produced by allowing a thin layer of sand to sink into thixotropically mobilized mud. 1971 Nature 30 July 328/1 A thin layer of grey silt covered a 20 cm layer of black thixotropic mud. |