Characterization of the shear sensitivity property of petrolatum

The effects of temperature and mechanical shear on the microcrystalline structure of petrolatum are examined; syneresis determinations and rheological methods are utilized as indicators of the integrity of this structure. Two simple and practical methods for determining the shear sensitivity of petrolatum are presented. The rheological technique of spring relaxation is evaluated and shown to be more valuable than the continuous rheogram data in predicting the microcrystalline structure of petrolatum.