Polymer Rheology and Mechanical Properties
Rheometrics RDS-II Dynamic Fluids Spectrometer (Rheometer)
This instrument has the ability to measure the complex flow properties of liquids including polymer solutions, gels, melts, slurries, dispersions, etc. Using either parallel plate or cone and plate geometries, the rheometer can measure shear stress (viscosity) and normal force over a wide range of shear rates at temperatures spanning –100°C to 500°C. In addition to steady shear measurements, the RDS-II can apply oscillatory deformations useful in probing the viscoelastic and network forming properties of solutions, dispersions and melts. The instrument is configured to utilize very small quantities of sample fluid (0.5 to 2 ml) and it is equipped to measure electrorheological effects over the range of 0 to 3500 volts/mm.
Instron Model 1000 Tensile Strength Tester
The Instron Model 1000 is designed to determine the tensile and compressive strength of solid materials such as rubber and other polymers, paper, wood, soft metals, etc., as a function of deformation under ambient temperature conditions. The maximum load of the instrument is 1000 lbs and it is equipped with pneumatically controlled sample holders.
Assistance is available for experiment design and method development. Operator training is available for graduate students, faculty, and staff.
Cost: Hourly instrument charge.
