Thixotropic Gels: Mechanisms, Functions and Applications

Dear Colleagues,

Thixotropy attracts the attention of researchers from fundamental, functional and applied perspectives. In the domain of gels, thixotropy is responsible for numerous functions, such as the gelation of water, oil, emulsions and various solvents. Thixotropic organogelators are particularly intriguing because the nature of self-healing has not been extensively explored. Due to the non-covalent interactions underlying the self-assembly of small organic molecules, leading to the formation of nanostructured systems and ultimately forming a gel, the self-healing of the gelator structure after mechanical disruption of the gel structure is unexpected. Hence, in this Special Issue, we aim to summarize contributions in the field, focusing on the mechanistic basis for the formation of thixotropic organogels, various characterization techniques, especially rheological characterization, diverse functional properties, the stimuli-responsive properties responsible for the formation of thixotropic gels in any solvent and, above all, their applications. The application and functionality of thixotropic gelators in materials science, medicine, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and food underscore the importance of a comprehensive overview of this field.

Dr. Nataša Šijaković Vujičić
Prof. Dr. Anabela Raymundo
Guest Editors

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• thixotropy
• self-assembly
• organogels
• rheology
• applications
• 3D-printing gels