Time to harness the true power of rheology

Upgrading your viscometer to a modern rotational rheometer

Abstract

In this article, we look at what today’s rotational rheometers can do, contrasting this with the data delivered by typical rotational viscometers. For some time viscometry has been a mainstream technique for formulation, but those leading the way have long since transitioned to the broader capabilities of rheometry. The choices associated with replacing your ageing viscometer may, therefore, be a long way from like-for-like. Here we provide insight to support an up to- date assessment of the value of upgrading.

The penetration of new analytical techniques follows a well-defined path; first come the early adopters, who find out what new technology can do, assess its value and shape its evolution, and then, with a positive outcome, it transitions to the mainstream. Formulators can use information from a wide variety of techniques which means it can be easy to lose sight of what has become possible. Recent advances in the design of rotational rheometers provide a good example of how technology can transform the accessibility, and consequently the value of the technique, over just a few years.

In this article we look at what today’s rotational rheometers can do, contrasting this with the data delivered by typical rotational viscometers. For some time viscometry has been a mainstream technique for formulation, but those leading the way have long since transitioned to the broader capabilities of rheometry. The choices associated with replacing your ageing viscometer may, therefore, be a long way from like-for-like. Here we provide insight to support an upto-date assessment of the value of upgrading.