States of matter: "viscoelastic fluid", familiar term is "cream"

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Cream is classified as a viscoelastic fluid, which is a term that describes materials that exhibit both viscous and elastic properties. This classification is relevant for understanding various types of soaps, which can range from hard to soft or in between. The discussion also touches on related concepts like gels, which can vary in stiffness, and the distinction between Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids. Additionally, terms such as plastic solid and Bingham plastic are introduced, highlighting materials that deform under stress but retain their shape once the stress is removed. Caution is advised regarding the accuracy of AI-generated information on these topics.
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(I am not sure where to place this within the forums, and also not sure what title topic should be)

While trying an online search to find precise terminology for various solids type matter forms but not necessarily firm solid form, I found a little information telling that cream is more precisely a viscoelastic fluid.

My interest about these things comes from wanting better descriptions of soaps which are either hard, or soft, or something between, or for some which are 'too' soft; and a few other kinds of materials.

https://homeandkitchenblog.com/what-state-of-matter-is-cream/

(MAYBE this is like a T.I.L. type of thing?)
 
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Sounds like gels to me.
A flexi-solid in a solution (between the gel's molecular scaffolding). Gels can come in a whole range of stiffnesses from very solid to a very mushy mess.
 
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Perhaps look into Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids?
 
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Borek said:
Perhaps look into Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids?
I am just starting that one. I am looking at the first several lines in the "Fluid" search in https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluid , and those are wild. Getting through the article will need time and effort.
 
Here's a couple more terms.

Plastic solid is a solid with a yield point. After yielding, it will continue to deform without limit. When the stress is removed, it stays in position.

Bingham plastic is a solid with a yield point. After yielding, it behaves as a viscous liquid.
 
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Hey, @jrmichler ;
I just tried a search in which I asked a question as input field of the search engine (related to "plastic solid"), and one of the results was some kind of AI result. I read that. The AI prepared article is wrong. I believe your description more than the meaning of the AI search item. Definition and description you gave makes more sense than the contradictory AI item.

Readers: Beware of AI results!
 
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