In many different types of production and manufacturing systems, the need for in-house testing for quality control and product uniformity is critical. This is also true for labs and testing facilities specializing in these types of services.
Rheology testing focuses specifically on how matter flows under specific conditions. With plastics and other types of material, it is typically as a soft solid or even as a solid with a plastic flow. This is different from deforming elastically and is measured against or in response to a specific applied force.
A rheometer is used in rheology testing to measure the flow and deformation of the test material under the specific conditions of the test. All types of materials and liquids can be determined based on their responses in the testing procedures.
By completing specific types of tests, the properties of the material can be determined through a bulk type of test for larger samples or even to very tiny samples tested through a microcapillary testing device known as a viscometer.
The Benefits
By knowing the properties exhibited by different materials in different testing situations, it is possible to determine the purity of sample or the presence of contaminant or impurities.
It is also important to use rheology testing to fully understand how a particular material will stand up to strain, stress and temperature. This will be instrumental in choosing a particular type of thermoplastic or polymer for a specific application and use.
The use of this testing method can also accurately predict how specific substances will behave when exposed to different types of stress and strain. Some materials will change their viscosity under different environmental conditions while others will not. When these changes do not follow the expected fluid mechanics and are considered non-Newtonian in their behavior testing is critical to accurately predict what will happen.
The Importance
Through the use of testing materials using rheology methods it is possible to accurately predict how a material will respond to changes in stress, strain and temperature.
This is critical in all applications for the aerospace industry to developing new thermoplastics and materials for use in different types of processing and manufacturing industries. It is also critical in pharmaceutical applications as well as for companies producing rubber, plastic or petroleum-based products.
For some companies incorporating polymer fillers into materials it is critical. This will be essential in helping to reduce the cost of the material without creating any decrease in the properties of the final compound. Knowing the amount of filler that can used without creating this change is essential in product safety and performance.