Electroviscosity. I. The flow of liquids between surfaces in close proximity

Abstract

The conditions governing the rate of flow of ionic and non-ionic liquids in narrow channels are examined, and it is demonstrated that in certain circumstances the electrical resistance to shear in ionic liquids, due to the effect of an electrical potential gradient on the ions of the surface layers, may assume considerable importance relative to the mechanical (viscous) resistance to shear. The results of this analysis are of important application in various fields, and offer an explanation of anomalous results obtained by numerous experimental workers.