Quasi-solid

Quasi-Solid, or, semisolid is the physical term for something whose state lies between a solid and a liquid. While similar to solids in some respects, such as having the ability to support their own weight and hold their shapes, a quasi-solid also shares some properties of liquids, such as conforming in shape to something applying pressure to it and the ability to flow under pressure. The words quasi-solid, semisolid, and semiliquid may be used interchangeably.

Quasi-solids and semisolids are also known as amorphous solids because at the microscopic scale they have a disordered structure unlike the more common crystalline solids.

Examples

Petroleum jelly - a mixture of hydrocarbons extracted from crude oil and subsequently refined, has semisolid properties. It is used topically on human skin to promote healing of minor irritation or burns. It is also used to help heal chapped or sunburned lips. Another example is mayonnaise. Sometimes some ingredients can be both semi solid or mixtures like in case of rice in soup.

See also

• Plasticity (physics)
• Viscosity