Some applications of polymers

In many cases the marketability of a polymer is due to the theologically complex behavior of the material. An example can be found in the compounding of materials for coating of surfaces. The non-newtonian behaviour of paints is an important factor in determining the "brushability" of paint. Interesting tests have been devised to measure this quality in the laboratory. One wishes to have a paint that will not show brush marks after drying; on the other hand, if the paint is too thin it will not adequately cover a surface.

Similarly, the art of paper coating is highly dependent on the rheology of the coating material. In conventional coating applications the coating "colour", as it is called, is subjected to extreme variations of high and low shearing.

The petroleum industry uses large quantities of "drilling muds" to lubricate the drill bit and to carry rock chips out of the hole during drilling of oil wells. It is important to have muds which exhibit low viscosity under sharing but which are very thick at rest, thus preventing rapid settling of chips when the drilling unit is not in operation.

Further examples can be given almost without limit. We note that most foodstuffs are non-newtonian. This is important in respect both to food processing and to the preparation of acceptable natural food substitutes.