Dynamic probing of thixotropic magnetic gels

Abstract The sol–gel transition of thixotropic magnetic gels is studied at macroscopic and mesoscopic scales by rheology and dynamic birefringence. Gelation times are, respectively, determined from small amplitude shear oscillatory measurements in the framework of Winter's model and from relaxation dynamic birefringence. A fractal dimension of the thixotropic gel, near the sol–gel transition is evaluated from the rheological measurements.