MRI: Acquisition of a Rheometer for Polymer Materials Research and Education

University Of Akron, Akron OH

Investigators

Abstract

CTS: 0074544 C. Han, University of Akron Abstract The research equipment requested, Advanced Rheometrics Expansion System (ARES) is a powerful and versatile rheological instrument, which will enable the PI and his colleagues to measure the rheological properties of various polymeric material in the liquid as well as the solid state. Specifically, ARES will enable this research group to conduct the following rheological measurements of various polymeric materials: (1) transient shear flow, (2) steady-state shear flow, (3) flow reversal upon changing the direction of flow, (4) stress relaxation upon cessation of shear flow, (5) oscillatory shear flow, (6) creep, (7) temperature sweep under isochronal conditions, and (8) torsional oscillatory shear. This instrument will allow us to conduct rheological measurements for polymer solutions, molten polymers, polymer blends, particulate-filled polymers or elastomers. The precise measurements of the rheological, properties of such materials will help develop a new generation of polymeric materials for such applications as nanocomposites, computer/electronic parts, and nonlinear optical wave-guides. Also, the precise measurements of the rheological properties of polymeric materials will help develop new theories and/or modify the existing theories, which will relate the chemical structures of polymers to their rheological properties.