Visualising Rheometry

The Thermo Haake RheoScope 1 is a combination of an optical microscope with attached digital camera and a universal rheometer. The RheoScope 1 allows the synchronous recording of both the rheological properties and the changes in the microscopic structure of the sample.

In the RheoScope 1 an optical microscope and a digital video camera are integrated underneath the temperature-controlled lower plate of a cone and plate measuring geometry.

The complete instrument (rheometer, microscope and camera) is controlled by the RheoWin software, which is easy to use. Data, video sequences and still images can be visualised and analysed online as well as stored in various formats for later evaluation. Based on the RheoStress 1 rheometer, the RheoScope 1 is capable of performing all standard rheological test methods such as basic viscosity measurements in controlled stress and controlled shear rate mode, yield stress measurements as well as oscillatory measurements for the determination of viscoelastic properties.

However, the RheoScope1 does more: simultaneously with the stated rheological measurements, the structure and shear-induced change in structure of the sample is recorded and displayed in the software. A microscopic image of the actual structure is available corresponding to each data point (viscosity, shear stress, temperature etc). Because of this, the relationship between the rheological properties and the structure become visible.

RheoScope1 can be used to analyse phenomena like emulsification, gelation, dilution, dissolvation, flocculation etc, in samples like concentrated emulsions, suspensions, gels, foams, and even bitumen. The broad range of applications, the intuitive, easy and automated handling as well as the sophisticated data and picture analysis functions of the software make the RheoScope1 a versatile instrument for research institutes as well as in quality control laboratories.