Rotational Mini-Rheometer for Small Sample Volumes

TO-180 • PT 1.3057 • As of 8/2024
Central Institute of Engineering, Electronics and Analytics (ZEA)
Institute of Technology and Engineering (ITE)

Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI)
Biomacromolecular Systems and Processes (IBI-4)

Technology

We are developing a novel mini-rheometer designed to address challenges in measuring flow properties and behavior of scarce materials. Due to miniaturization inertia of the rotor system is reduced 100 times, increasing sensitivity needed for measuring scarce samples. Its main components are made of fused silica.

Our rotational rheometer consists of a torque-driven rotor supported by an air bearing, a position detection unit and an interchangeable measuring geometry. Due to its small size and design, it can be easily placed on an inversed microscope so that the sample can be observed during measurement.

Problem addressed

Current rotational rheometers on the market require large amounts of sample material to achieve high accuracy analysis data in case of low viscous samples. For some samples, like biofilms, noval drug formulations or well-specified compositions, these quantities cannot always be provided. Lab devices for small samples relying on linear motion are limited in process range.

Solution

By using a new manufacturing technology for precise and complex glass parts, a macroscopic rheometer has been minimized, primarily reducing the need of sample volume and maintaining the benefits of continuous shear.

When analyzing viscoelastic substances, the greatly reduced inertia extends the measuring range at high oscillation frequencies. The system is designed as a versatile device, where the measuring geometry is changeable.

The sample is easily accessible for optical methods due to their transparent material – fused silica.

Benefits and Potential Use

The mini-rheometer is especially suited to perform rheological measurements on small sample volumes but rheology on standard samples is also feasible at a lower cost. The mini-rheometer can be used as a stand-alone device, but its small size also allows hands on combination with various analyzing methods such as confocal microscopy or light scattering.

Furthermore, the mini-rheometer can be integrated into existing fluid analyzing devices and extend their capability towards rheological properties.

Development Status and Next Steps

The technology has already been initially verified by prototypes and is in the process of continuous development.

The Central Institute of Engineering, Electronics and Analytics (ZEA-1) – Engineering and Technology – and the Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-4) - Biomacromolecular Systems and Processes – already cooperate with numerous national and international companies and scientific partners to implement the technique.

We are continuously seeking for cooperation partners and/or licensees in this and adjacent areas of research and application.

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