Electric fields in the rheology of disperse systems

In the present survey, the influence of electric fields on the structure and rheological properties of disperse systems as well as the effect of deformations on their electrical characteristics are discussed. The properties of these systems are considered in terms of the dielectric permittivity and electrification potential. The considerable thickness of the double electric layer around the disperse phase particles, which is characteristic of disperse systems with nonpolar hydrocarbon dispersion media, provides the possibility for strong electric fields to produce an electric nonuniformity on the surface of the disperse phase particles. The formation of hydrate layers on the particles creates the possibility of polarization of the disperse phase. In plastic disperse systems such as greases, a strong orientation effect is observed, which contributes to the creation of frozen flow patterns when the flow is suddenly stopped. The survey is concluded with a consideration of the process of formation of chain structures in the direction of the lines of force of the electric field whose orientation is normal to the direction of flow, which can lead to complete stoppage of the flow.