What happens to the viscosity of glass ionomer cement when shear rate increases during mixing?

When discussing the viscosity of glass ionomer cement during mixing in relation to shear rate, it is key to understand that viscosity is a measure of a fluid's resistance to flow. In non-Newtonian fluids, such as glass ionomer cement, the viscosity can change when different shear rates are applied.

At higher shear rates, the mechanical forces acting on the particles within the cement cause them to align and move more freely, which typically results in a reduction in viscosity. This is a common behavior of thixotropic materials, which exhibit a decrease in viscosity when subjected to constant shear. Therefore, as the shear rate increases during the mixing of glass ionomer cement, the viscosity decreases, allowing for easier handling and application.

Other options, such as the idea that it becomes thicker or remains the same, do not accurately reflect the behavior of glass ionomer cement under increasing shear rates. The option suggesting that it hardens quickly is unrelated to viscosity changes during mixing and deals more with the setting reaction of the cement instead. Understanding the context of how shear rate impacts viscosity is crucial for effective manipulation of glass ionomer cement in dental applications.