Rheological analysis at Fraunhofer IMWS – understanding material behavior, driving innovation forward

Using our state-of-the-art testing techniques, we can help you better understand and optimize the properties of your products. For example, our tests enable plastics processors to ensure that their products have the right consistency, flowability, and stability.

In addition, our rheological investigations help make production processes more efficient by showing how materials behave under different conditions. This can save costs and accelerate product development. Overall, these tests help to better tailor products to market needs and increase competitiveness.

 

Areas of application

  • Material characterization and comparison
  • Support in formulation development
  • Quality assurance in production
  • Failure analysis for processing problems

Melt rheology at Fraunhofer IMWS

Flow behavior of various combinations of a polymer blend.

We are your partner for precise rheology measurements of polymer melts and investigate the flow and deformation behavior of plastic melts under thermal and mechanical stress. This provides essential data for processing, quality assurance, and material development.

The following test methods are used:

High-pressure capillary viscometry: We determine viscosity as a function of shear rate and temperature, wall slip behavior, and pressure dependence.

  • Determination of the shear viscosity of polymer melts
  • Maximum extrusion force of 20 kN
  • Piston speed of 0.00005–20 mm/s
  • Temperature range of 60–400 °C
  • Channel length 285 mm, channel diameter 15 mm
  • Choice of single-channel or dual-channel design
  • Round and slotted capillaries in various geometries

PVT testing: PVT testing allows us to investigate the behavior of polymers at different temperatures and pressures. PVT data is crucial in injection molding simulation in order to avoid significant modification costs in subject area toolmaking.

  • Pressure range up to 2500 bar
  • Temperatures up to 500°C and cooling rates up to 30 K/min
  • Choice of isobaric or isothermal measurements

Melt index test: We perform a quick assessment of flowability in accordance with ISO 1133 MFR/MVR testing.

  • Determination of melt mass flow rate or melt volume flow rate
  • Temperature range 60 - 390 °C
  • Load weights 2.16 to 21.6 kg
  • Capillary d=2.095 mm, l=8 mm

Rotational rheometry: We determine viscoelastic properties (G', G'', tanδ) as well as relaxation behavior and melt stability.

Rheotens measurement: We record the extensional elastic properties of polymer melts. The drawability of polymer melts is a key processing parameter, as it has a significant influence on shaping, particularly in process engineering applications such as extrusion, blow molding, and film production.

  • Investigation of the drawability of polymer melts and determination of the extensional viscosity
  • Infinitely adjustable speed of up to 1900 mm/s with a maximum acceleration of 3200 mm/s2
  • Force measuring range from 0 to 2 N with a resolution of 0.001 N

 

Material development

We are your partner for innovative plastic material development. We offer tailor-made solutions for your applications – whether for lightweight construction, sustainability or high-performance applications.

Our many years of expertise in material development enable us to adapt plastic systems specifically to your requirements.

What we offer

  • Development of new compounds and blends Modification of existing materials (e.g., impact strength, flow behavior, etc.)
  • Additives (UV protection, flame retardants, antistatic agents, etc.)
  • Sustainable alternatives: Recyclates, biopolymers, fiber-reinforced plastics, and much more.

 

Why our laboratory?

  • Modern testing technology
  • Experienced rheology experts
  • Informative and clearly structured test reports
  • Short processing times and individual consultation

 

Contact us and together we will find the right testing method for your application!