Viscoelastic properties, aqueous suspensions

Nanocomposites formed from a NR latex were filled with an aqueous suspension of waxy maize starch nanocrystals and morphology, structure and barrier properties characterized. The materials were measured in linear and nonlinear viscoelastic regions. Starch nanocrystals reinforced the NR to a content of 20 % w/w without significant loss of ultimate strain. The NR modulus was greatly increased when nano-starch was present. Starch-starch interactions were important for enhancing the composite properties. Moisture and starch nanocrystal surface chemistry were important influences on properties." ... 

Although the fluids most often considered in biofluid mechanics studies are blood and air, other fluids such as urine, perspiration, tears, ocular aqueous and vitreous fluids, and the synovial fluid in the joints can also be important in evaluating tissue system behavioral responses to induced chemical and physical stresses. For purposes of analysis, these fluids are often assumed to exhibit Newtonian behavior, although the synovial fluid and blood under certain conditions can be non-Newtonian. Since blood is a suspension it has interesting properties it behaves as a Newtonian fluid for large shear rates, but is highly non-Newtonian for low shear rates. The synovial fluid exhibits viscoelastic characteristics that are particularly suited to its function of j oint lubrication, for which elasticity is beneficial. These viscoelastic characteristics must be accounted for when considering tissue therapy for joint injuries. 

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