Polotuhé

Polotuhé refers to a state of matter that possesses properties of both solids and liquids. It is a broad category that encompasses materials exhibiting characteristics of rigidity and flow. Unlike true solids, which have a fixed shape and volume, or true liquids, which flow freely and take the shape of their container, polotuhé substances can deform under stress but do not permanently lose their shape like a liquid would.

This intermediate state is often characterized by a high viscosity and a yield stress. A yield stress is the minimum amount of stress that must be applied to the material before it begins to deform plastically, or flow. Below this yield stress, the material behaves like a solid, resisting deformation. Once the yield stress is exceeded, it begins to flow, often exhibiting non-Newtonian fluid behavior, meaning its viscosity can change depending on the applied shear rate.

Examples of polotuhé materials include gels, pastes, and some types of slurries. Toothpaste, for instance, holds its shape in the tube (acting like a solid) but can be squeezed out and spread (acting like a liquid). Similarly, yogurt or thick paint can be described as polotuhé. The specific properties of a polotuhé substance are determined by its composition and internal structure.