A modified model for the viscosity of ceramic suspensions

The viscosity and shear rate as a function of 2–24% volume concentration of solids was determined for alumina and kaolin slurries. A model of viscosity as a function of volume concentration of a dispersed phase in a matrix and a bidimensional balance of forces acting on a particle in suspension is presented. The theoretical model was compared with experimental data accomplished with a double concentric cylinders rheometer. A good correlation of the proposed model with the measured data could be verified. The forces of mechanical origin that cause restrictions to particle rotation and translation appear to remarkably influence the variation of viscosity.