CAPILLARY RHEOMETER
What is a Capillary Rheometer?
It is an instrument that is used to measure the rheological (stress and shear deformation) properties of a material.
Capillary rheometers are comprised of a temperature-controlled barrel incorporating one or more precision bores fitted with capillary dies at the exit. Pressure transducers are mounted immediately above the dies to record the pressure drop as the material being tested is extruded through the dies.
Capillary rheometry is a technique whereby a sample is extruded through a die of defined dimensions and the shear pressure drop across the die recorded at set volumetric flow rates.
What materials can be tested using a capillary rheometer?
Polymer and rubber testing are historically the main areas for capillary rheometry use. However, applications for capillary rheometers cover a wide range of industries:
Ceramics – to determine the flow and moulding properties
- Paints and inks – to characterize materials used in spraying and printing processes
- Foods – to determine mould filling, cooling and setting properties
- Personal care products – to assess container filling, spraying and pumping properties (MALVERN Instruments website)
