The results of a collaborative study aimed at describing the applicability of high frequency optical and mechanical rheometry on gels and stiff samples will be presented at the 5th Pacific Rim Conference on Rheology (PRCR-5), August 1-6, 2010, Hokkaido, Japan.  

Samiul Amin and Torsten Remmler, both of whom are rheology specialists at Malvern Instruments, are two of the contributors to ‘High Frequency Rheology of Entangled and Network Forming Polymers', which is scheduled for presentation on August 2 as part of the Non-Newtonian Fluid Mechanics & Micro Fluidics symposium.  

The relaxation mechanisms in complex fluids such as polymeric solutions, can impact the material's dynamics over a wide range of timescales. The application of traditional rheometry techniques across extended dynamic ranges is limited at the high frequency (short timescale) end due to instrument constraints. Despite considerable new developments in both optical and mechanical high frequency devices, the applicability of such techniques in the study of gels or very stiff samples in particular, is poorly understood. The study aims to fill this knowledge gap. 

Those interested in investigating the latest measurement technology can visit the Malvern Instruments exhibition stand and can get ‘hands on' with cutting edge rheometers such as the Kinexus. www.malvern.com/kinexus