the fracturing fluid varies depending on fracturing type desired, and the conditions of specific wells being fractured, and water characteristics. the fluid can be gel, foam, or slickwater-based. fluid choices are tradeoffs: more viscous fluids, such as gels, are better at keeping proppant in suspension; while less-viscous and lower-friction fluids, such as slickwater, allow fluid to be pumped at higher rates, to create fractures farther out from the wellbore. important material properties of the fluid include viscosity, ph, various rheological factors, and others.