Rheology is the study of flow and deformation of materials under applied forces which is routinely measured using a rheometer. The measurement of rheological properties is applicable to all materials from fluids such as dilute solutions of polymers and surfactants through to concentrated protein formulations, to semi-solids such as pastes and creams, to molten or solid polymers as well as asphalt.

Rheological properties impact at all stages of material use across multiple industries – from formulation development and stability to processing and product performance. The type of rheometer required for measuring these properties is often dependent on the relevant shear rates and timescales as well as sample size and viscosity.

The workshop will cover the basic principles and tips and tricks required for successful rheological testing including viscoelastic and non-Newtonian behavior, selection of instrumentation, geometry, test parameters and data analysis. A live demonstration of a NETZSCH rheometer will be used to show the above-mentioned theoretical principles in practice.

All attendees will receive an individual copy of the NETZSCH Rotational Rheology handbook (see below). 

Refreshments will be provided throughout the day.

PROGRAMME

08:30 Doors Open

09:00 Welcome
09:10 Introduction to Rheology & Rheological Testing
- Viscous and Elastic Behaviour
- Newtonian and non-Newtonian Behaviour
- Oscillation and Rotational Tests
- Terminology and Definitions

10:00 Coffee Break

10:30 Capillary and Rotational Rheometers - Which instrument is best for my application?

11:00 Applications: Measurement Strategies for Unknown Samples
- Geometry and Gap Selection
- Die Selection (Rosand)
- Test Modes (Rotation and Oscillation)
- Special Applications (pvT, Haul-off, UV-Rheo, etc)

12:30 Lunch

13:00 Rheology Workshop (including live demonstration)
14:30 Invited Guest Talk
15:00 Q&A/Lab Tour
15:30 Farewell

LOCATION DETAILS

Curtin University, Bentley Campus
TL Roberston Building 105, Level 7, Lantern Room
Kent St
Bentley WA 6102

Transport information here
Campus Map here

COURSE CONVENORS

Senol Gezgin, Technical Specialist - Rheology, NETZSCH Geraetebau GmbH

Senol Gezgin is one of our many Rheology Technical Specialists forming our team of international rheology experts. He is based at the NETZSCH Applications Laboratory in Selb, Germany and has been working with rheometers and thermal analysers on a daily basis for the past 12 years. He is currently Application Specialist for Rheology (Rotational and Capillary). 

Andrew Gillen, Materials Engineer, NETZSCH Australia Pty Ltd

Andrew Gillen is Head of ANZ Region at NETZSCH Analyzing and Testing, based in Sydney. Since 2014 he has been responsible for product management, application testing and marketing activities. Andrew studied Materials Engineering at the University of Wollongong (Australia) and has over 15 years experience with thermoanalytical equipment, including 5 years working in the nuclear and defence sectors.