Instruments for Measuring Rheological Properties
Widely used instruments in this area include torque rheometers
(generally used to determine characteristics like viscosity, homogeneity,
additive dispersion, flow characteristics etc of polymers and their blends),
apparatusses used to determine melt flow point and melt flow index
(see meltflixer)
, and others.
Torque rheometers can vary substantially in sophistication and applications,
from very simple viscometers
(see controlled rate viscotester VT550
or portable viscotester)
to sophisticated controlled stress/ rate/ deformation/ frequency/ temperature rheometers that
can perform oscillating, creep and recovery tests at very high data acquisition speeds
(see universal DMA rheometer rheostress 300)
. Single purpose viscotesters, like falling ball, Larray, etc can be
also provided.
The range of rheometers extends further to PolyLab and PolyDrive systems that additionally simulate
the production process by mixing the relevant materials and producing films using the corresponding
extruders (see polylab system for rheological measurements). These systems offer a complete testing
unit for continuous quality control and are specially designed for use with materials such as
polymers, ceramics, food products and rubber. Smaller systems for use with very expensive samples with applications mainly in the pharmaceutical
industry can be also provided (see minilab system).
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