Priced like a spindle rheometer, but providing data of a quality equivalent to top of the range oscillatory research instruments, it monitors the motion of a vertical probe in the sample
The new T2SR time and temperature scanning rheometer is now available from Celsum Technologies.
Celsum says the T2SR is an extremely versatile instrument which has been designed to be cost-effective, accurate, and easy to use, making it ideal for QA and laboratory work.
It provides data on the viscoelastic properties including viscosity, shear modulus and loss tangent (tan delta) of the test substance as a function of time for materials which are curing or otherwise changing with time, or as a function of temperature for thermoplastic materials.
The T2SR is far more robust, does not need especially qualified operators, and can test, among other materials, reactive substances which could damage other instruments, and multiphase materials which simply cannot be loaded into other rheometers, says Celsum.
The principle of operation is to continuously monitor the motion of a vertically-oscillating probe suspended in the test liquid.
The probe is connected via a spring to a vertically oscillating motor which is driven in an accurate sinusoidal motion.
The viscoelasticity of the test material causes the amplitude and phase of the probe to change with respect to the motor, and these differences are detected automatically and converted into true rheological data such as G', G", G*, tan delta (the loss angle), h', h", and h*.
The T2SR can be used to determine gelation, curing and setting points as well as the dynamics of, for example, curing or hydration reactions.
The instrument has well-priced test probes and sample containers which may be discarded after use.
As well as observing thermosetting or curing materials, the instrument may be used to examine the flow properties of materials as a function of temperature with the optional programmable temperature control modules.
The instrument is also useful for carrying our spot viscosity checks for quality assurance and similar applications, and is ideal for batch-to-batch comparisons for quality control purposes.
Celsum's managing director, Roy Carter, said of the T2SR: "This is a very robust and adaptable instrument. "It's easy to use, has an incredibly wide range of application and, to cap it all, offers extremely good value for money".
The test material need not be homogeneous, and specimens of different volumes may be accommodated, allowing, for example samples of filled materials to be evaluated.
Viscosities between 10 and 10,000Pa.s may be measured using the standard configuration.
The modular design offers a choice of temperature-controlled sample containers to allow testing at temperatures from sub-ambient to 400C.
