Thixotropy determination

Thixotropy texture , stability or ease of application of a product are major performance criteria.

Measuring thixotropy is essential for:

• Adapt the texture of food, cosmetics or paints
• Ensure good resuspension of pasty or gelled products
• Optimize the formulation of creams, sauces, gels, inks or pastes
• Control industrial quality or reproducibility from one batch to another

Analysis method: shear cycles via rheometry

Thixotropy analysis is performed using a rheometer , which measures the response of a fluid to an applied stress over time. The test consists of:

1. Apply gradual shear to reduce the structure of the gel or fluid.
2. Maintain a constant constraint for a given duration.
3. Observe the reformation of the structure at rest.

The generated hysteresis loops allow the level of thixotropy to be quantified via the area between the rising and falling curves.

Affected matrices

The matrices typically concerned by the dosage of thixotropy are:

• Cosmetic gels and creams
• Pasta or vegetable (e.g. hummus, sauces)
• Liquid paints and coatings
• Inks, varnishes, waxes
• Semi-solid pharmaceutical products
• Sludges, colloidal suspensions, industrial formulations

What is the purpose of thixotropy dosage?

This test allows products to be adapted to their conditions of use:

• Ease of application (spatula, brush, pump, extrusion)
• Long-term stability (no sedimentation or separated phase)
• Sensory comfort (in cosmetics or foods with a fluid texture)
• Advanced formulation functionality (coating, film-forming, adhesion, etc.)

In the food industry, thixotropy is used to evaluate the behavior of sauces, gelled desserts, and drinking yogurts.
In cosmetics, it is used to calibrate the texture of cleansing gels, skincare creams, and mascaras.
In paints, it ensures easy application without dripping and good coverage.

Related analyses to explore

YesWeLab offers you other complementary analyses to characterize the rheology and texture of your products:

• Dynamic Viscosity Analysis – For Newtonian and Non-Newtonian Fluids
• Consistency Index Analysis – To assess resistance to flow
• Syneresis Analysis – For Food Gel Stability
• Hygroscopicity Analysis – To understand the ability to absorb moisture

Why choose YesWeLab?

At YesWeLab , we select the most suitable partner laboratory for each request, taking into account your sector of activity, your matrix and the required analysis method.
Our partners are certified and/or accredited (ISO 17025, COFRAC, etc.), and our scientific team supports you in the choice of method, the interpretation of results and compliance with your quality constraints.

Since 2020, hundreds of manufacturers have entrusted us with the management of their analyses via our dedicated digital platform.

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For any specific requirements (shear range, temperature, reference standard), please specify them in the form or contact us directly.