::: Intelligence in Rheometry

Physica MCRThe modular rheometer series

The idea

Measure, what is measurable. Make measurable what is not.

Galileo Galilei’s idea is the basis for the new Physica MCR

series.

A well-thought out concept, the integration of customer

demands and the newest research results, the optimization of

existing components and the creation of new technologies: all

this makes it possible to push back the limits of technical

possibility.

Physica MCRModular Compact Rheometer

The result

The result of this development work is the Physica MCR series.

Its modular platform, compact mechanical design and high

manufactured quality make the MCR rheometer a secure and

long-term investment for research and industry.

Measuring motor

Only Physica rheometers offer the advantages of a permanent

magnet synchronous motor. The linear characteristic curve of the

motor current and the torque as well as the unrivaled dynamics

of this motor with its extremely quick response allow excellent

control of both CSR and CSS tests. The wide measuring ranges

for torque, frequency and speed are only a few of the other

advantages of this unique concept.

Autogap and gap control (Fig. 1)

Extremely precise and versatile setting and control of the

measuring gap are essential for a high quality rheometer.

The rheometers of the MCR series have automatic gap setting

with freely definable setting profiles, automatic gap control and

normal force-controlled gap setting and gap control .

Quick-fitting coupling (Fig. 2)

Every detail of the MCR series is designed for maximum user-

friendliness. Using the quick-fitting coupling from Physica,

different measuring systems can be exchanged easily in a matter

of seconds.

Perfectionin every detail

We’ve left nothing to chance. The careful

analysis of individual parts in the development

phase guarantees the optimal performance of

every single rheometer.

The technical specifications are verified and

ensure the MCR rheometer is a solid measuring

platform for all applications in the field of

rheometry.

Diffusion air bearing / ball bearing

The diffusion air bearing of the MCR 100/300/500 rheometers

and the precision ball bearing of the MCR 150 are all

manufactured in-house. Each bearing is machined to tight

tolerances and undergoes exhaustive testing with state-of-the-

art testing machines. This guarantees the high quality and

reliability of these sensitive components.

Working area (Fig. 3)

The generously large working area allows optimal access for

sample filling, cleaning and trimming. Different thermostatting

units can be exchanged simply and quickly.

Measuring systems

Concentric cylinder geometries, cone/plate, plate/plate and high

shear measuring systems are all part of the standard program

for Physica rheometers. Measuring systems for construction

materials, paper coatings, asphalt, a high-pressure measuring

system and many more are also available. We can also supply

measuring systems in different materials and/or with special

surface treatments such as profiling or sandblasting.

Everything fromone source

We provide complete solutions: from research,

development and production to advice on your

applications.

All components of the MCR rheometers are manufactured

in our ISO 9001 certified high-precision production facilities

to the same high standard we use for the manufacture of

medical implants and mechanical precision parts for the

aviation and aeronautics industries.

We do not outsource. Our employees are highly skilled and

experienced in the key technologies used in-house. The

MCR rheometer is the result of this philosophy.

<< Fig. 1

<< Fig. 2

<< Fig. 3

The influence of temperature on the rheological flow

behavior of materials is well-known. Temperature gradients

in the sample must therefore be avoided.

We have found a solution to this problem: A complete

range of new thermostatting equipment is available for the

range of different applications. Temperature gradients are a

thing of the past with our measuring cells. Optimal heating

and cooling rates are standard.

The product range extends from conventional liquid

thermostatted measuring cells to extremely user-friendly

Peltier systems and measuring equipment for special

applications.

1 >> Cylinder thermostatting unitswith temperature rangesfrom -40 to +300 °CTypes: liquid thermostatted,electrically heated, Peltier(patented)

2 >> Pressure cells for operatingpressures up to 150 bar

2.1 >> Measuring bob for thepressure cell

3 >> Cylindrical standardmeasuring bobs

4 >> Special measuring bobs

1 >> Cone/plate thermostattingunit with temperatureranges from-40 to +350 °CTypes: liquidthermostatted, electricallyheated, Peltier

2 >> Measuring bobs: diameters from 8 mm to75 mm

3 >> Controlled upper heatingwith temperature rangesfrom -40 to +350 °CTypes: electrically heated, Peltier (patented)

Cone/plate and plate/plate measuring systems

Cylinder measuring systems

3 >>1 >>

3 >>

4 >>

2.1 >>

2 >>

1 >>

2 >>

Thermostatting units,and accessories

Patented components

- Normal force measuring unit

- Cylinder cell with Peltier thermostatting

unit (TEZ 150P)

- Controlled Peltier upper heating (PTD 150)

Physic

aPa

tent

edTe

chno

logies • Physica PatentedTechnologies

Cone/plate, plate/plate and solid measuring systems

Special measuring systems

1 >> 3 >>

2 >>

4 >>

1 >> High-precision thermostattingunit with a temperature rangefrom -150 to +600 °C

2 >> measuring cones and plateswith diameters from 8 mm to50 mm

3 >> Solid torsion bar fixture, DMTA(torsion)

4 >> Film and fibre fixture

1 >> Immobilization cell forexamining papercoatings andsuspensions

2 >> Magneto cell forexamining magneto-rheological liquids

3 >> UV measuring cell forexamining UV sensitivematerials

4 >> Construction materialscell for measuringdisperse samples with

<< 1 << 2

3 >>

4 >>

Rheology is a complex science. Rheometry is a very

demanding technical field. Rheological research and

industrial practice require an efficient, flexible and

simple user interface.

Our software package US 200 was specially

developed for this task and enables simple

communication between the rheometer and the user.

The Physica MCR rheometers are controlled via an easy-to-

use, high performance software package developed for

Microsoft WindowsTM (95, 98, 2000, ME, NT, XP). The

universal software US 200 is equipped with a comprehensive

library of analysis models. By defining several user profiles, the

US 200 can be adapted for both users in R&D and Quality

Control. Import filters for reading data from other programs

and export functions which make diagrams and tables

available for other programs are included in the US 200

standard package.

The US 200 software covers the whole range of tasks, from

the simple control of the rheometer to the creation of

professional diagrams and tables. With standardized

workbooks (password protected) and automated measuring

routines you can perform measurements, analyze data and

document your results with a simple click of the mouse

button.

To create user-specific and practice-relevant measuring

profiles in the measuring window of the US 200, numerous

test intervals can be fitted together. The result is a profile

which includes your complete measurement program. CSS

and CSR standard tests, a combination of rotation and

oscillation as well as demanding measurements such as

multiwave tests, time/temperature shifts and the

superimposition of oscillation/rotation can be carried out

easily.

>> Fig. 1 A test for judging the sagging behavior of coating

materials is shown here using two spray coatings for the car

industry. The test consists of three intervals and shows the

impressively quick response time of the Physica MCR

measuring motor. From a phase of relative rest (oscillation

mode with very low deformation), the rheometer jumps rapidly

to very high shear rates (rotation). After this high shear phase,

the instrument returns to the deformation conditions in interval

1. The result reflects practical experience: Coating 1

regenerates its structure much quicker than Coating 2 and has

less tendency to sagging.

>> Fig. 2 The advantages of an extended measuring range

with directly preset deformation in oscillatory tests (Direct

Strain Oscillation) can be seen using the example of a

strawberry creme (with starch).

This new measuring method guarantees that the structure is

not overloaded and prematurely destroyed. The test is

therefore well suited for examining substances with a weak

structure such as gels, emulsions, suspensions, lubricating

grease and foams.

>> Fig. 3 Dynamic-mechanical analysis (DMTA) with torsional

strain can be carried out with a MCR rheometer and a

CTD 600 Precision Thermo Chamber. A typical example is the

determination of the glass transition point for polymers. This is

achieved by determining the maximum of the loss factor tan(δ).

Applications

The versatility of the new Physica rheometer generation

enables its use in a wide variety of applications.

From routine measurements in Quality Control to highly

complex research applications, all ranges are covered by the

MCR series.

The high performance of our instruments is clear from the

measuring data obtained.

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

101

102

103

104

µNm

M

10-2

10-1

100

101

102

Pa

G''

G'

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

101

102

103

104

mradDeflection angle ϕ

Strawberry creme (with starch)

100

101

102

Pa

G'

G''

0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400sTime t

1 2 3

Car coating 1

Car coating 2

G''

G'

105

106

107

108

109

1010

Pa

G''

G'

0,1

1

tan(δ)

70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120 130°C

Temperature T

Glass transitionpoint for cross-linked polyester

Multiwave Measurement

10-3

10-2

10-1

100

101

10

Reduced angular frequency ω ·aT

Master Curve: T=170°C

>> Fig. 4 Often, rheological measurements on polymer melts

can only be carried out in a limited frequency range. It is

necessary to obtain information over a wide frequency range

to comprehensively describe the material behavior of a melt.

This problem can be solved by using the time/temperature

superimposition (only applies to thermo-rheologically simple

materials).

<< Fig. 1

<< Fig. 3

<< Fig. 4

Application laboratory

New applications are constantly tested and analyzed in our

application laboratory. Our comprehensive database contains

suitable measuring systems and guidelines for most of our

customers’ measuring tasks.

Our application engineers develop the required know-how for

special or new measuring tasks. This knowledge is available

to customers when they buy a Physica rheometer.

Training

To carry out and interpret rheological measurements it is very

important to have a basic knowledge of chemistry and

physics. As part of the Physica Academy, we offer you the

opportunity to deepen and expand this knowledge. The

Physica Academy includes basic, advanced and expert

courses as well as special software seminars.

Our motto:

We supply complete solutions,

not just measuring instruments.

After sales service

Rheometers are precise measuring instruments. We therefore

recommend the regular checking and maintenance of the

instruments and offer maintenance contracts at reasonable

conditions. Our worldwide after sales service is undertaken by

qualified engineers.

The MCR series fulfills the requirements of the EG regulations 72/23/EWG and 93/68/EWG, concerning electrical parts used within certain current limits

as well as the regulations 89/336/EWG, 91/263/EWG and 93/68/EWH, concerning electromagnetic tolerances. The following standards were

completely or partly applied: Safety regulations for technical instruments – Safety regulations for electrical measuring, control and laboratory instruments:

EN1010-1:1993 – Electromagnetic Compatibility Generic Emission Standard: EN50081-1:1992 – Electromagnetic Compatibility Generic Immunity

Standard: EN50082-1:1992.

Technical specifications

Measured and/or Dynamic viscosity η Frequency f

analyzed variables Complex viscosity η*, η’, η” Angular frequency ω

Complex shear modulus G* Time t

Storage modulus G’ Loss angle δ

Loss modulus G” Deflection ϕ

Complex compliance J*, J’, J” Normal force FN

Shear stress τ First normal stress difference N1

Deformation γ First normal stress coefficient ψ1

Loss factor tan(δ) Creep compliance J(t)

Kinematic viscosity ν Relaxation modulus G(t)

Temperature T Relaxation time λ

Torque M Relaxation time spectrum H(λ)

Speed n Retardation time spectrum L(Λ)

Shear rate D, Shift factors aT, bT

Gap d

Technical data Unit MCR 500 MCR 300 MCR 150 MCR 100

Motor bearing type Air bearing Air bearing Ball bearing Air bearing

Min. torque µNm 0.02* 0.02* 250 0.5

Max. torque (permanent) mNm 200 150 150 100

Torque resolution µNm < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.1 0.002

Normal force range N 0.01 to 50 0.01 to 50 — —

Normal force resolution N 0.001 0.001 — —

Axial force N 0.01 to 50 0.01 to 50 — 0.1 to 30

Deflection angle (can be preset) µrad 0.1* to ∞ 0.1* to ∞ 1 to ∞ 1 to ∞

Speed range (preset) 1/min 10-5 to 1200/3000** 10-5 to 1200/3000** 10-3 to 1200/3000** 10-3 to 1200/3000**

Speed range (measurement) 1/min

Frequency range Hz

Angle resolution µrad

Temperature range °C

Dimensions (H x W x D) mm

Weight kg

Depending on the measuring geometry used, these rheometers can be used for measurements on samples with viscosities lower than water up to solids.

* with DSO ** at reduced torque

Measuring geometries Concentric cylinder measuring systems according to DIN 53 019/ISO 3219

Cone/plate and plate/plate measuring systems according to DIN 53 018/ISO 3219

High-shear measuring systems

Special measuring systems available on request

Test types Shear rate test (CSR) Oscillatory tests: Preset shear stress (τ) or deformation amplitude (γ)

Shear stress test (CSS) - Amplitude sweep

Creep test - Frequency sweep

Normal force test - Temperature test

Stress relaxation test - Time test

Tack test - Multiwave test

Oscillation with superimposed rotation

All test types can be combined within a single test profile.

10-7 to 1200/3000**

10-4 to 100

< 0.01

-150 to +600

530 x 335 x 405

45

γ.

Physica Messtechnik GmbHVor dem Lauch 6D-70567 StuttgartGermany - EuropeTel.: +49 (0)711 72091-0Fax: +49 (0)711 72091-30E-mail: info@physica.anton-paar.comWeb: www.physica.de

Instruments for:

Density and concentration measurement

Rheometry and viscometry

Sample preparation

Colloid science

X-ray structure analysis

CO2 measurement

High-precision temperature measurementSubject to change

without notice