Rheological measurements

Rheological measurements are becoming increasingly important in industry as a means of characterising materials. On the one hand modern rheometers allow reasonably non-destructive experiments to be performed in order to probe the microstructure of the materials under study. On the other hand the rheometers are flexible enough to be able to perform experiments which simulate production and application processes. Consequently performance characteristics can be evaluated prior to products being made available in the market place. The BCC is well equipped with a large variety of rheometers, and has the capability to perform extensional, electro- and surface rheological measurements, as well as conventional rotational rheological measurements. For further information about available rheological techniques and instrumentation please do not hesitate to email bcc@bristol.ac.uk. Specific rheological equipment available at the Bristol Colloid Centre includes:

TA instruments AR1000 rheometer
  • Bohlin VOR rheometer - controlled strain; temp range -150 to +400 degC
  • Bohlin CVO rheometer - controlled stress; max torque of 50 mNm; wide temp capability
  • Bohlin CS rheometer - controlled stress; max torque of 10mNm; wide temp capability
  • Two Rheometrics DSR rheometers - controlled stress; temperature range -10 degC to +120 degC
  • TA Instruments AR1000N rheometer - controlled stress; max torque of 100mNm; wide temp capability