Strain-controlled Rheometer Research Articles

Axisymmetric gravity currents of power-law fluids over a rigid horizontal surface

AbstractWe analyse axisymmetric gravity currents of power-law fluids theoretically and experimentally. We use aqueous suspensions of Xanthan gum in laboratory experiments of constant-volume and constant-flux release to resolve the rheological parameters of the fluid, which we then compare with measurements made using a strain-controlled rheometer. We find that the constant-volume release of highly shear-thinning fluids involves an early-time evolution dominated by inertia, and non-convex free surfaces that make the application of similarity solutions of the late-time viscously dominated evolution inefficient at resolving material properties. In contrast, constant-flux release of the same fluids can be viscously dominated and consistent with the self-similar solution from early in the evolution, which makes it a more useful method for measuring rheological parameters.

Steady shear rheological properties of micellar casein concentrates obtained by membrane filtration as a function of shear rate, concentration, and temperature

The use of casein preparations obtained by membrane separation is receiving increasing interest from the dairy and food industry. The objective of this work was to generate information about the steady shear rheological properties of micellar casein concentrates (MCC) and the effect of composition, temperature, and shear rate on these properties. Micellar casein concentrate preparations with 2 levels of serum proteins (SP; 65 and 95% SP reduced, respectively), were obtained from skim milk by microfiltration followed by spray drying. Micellar casein concentrate preparations with casein concentrations ranging from 2.5 to 12.5% were obtained by dispersing the MCC powders in ultrapure water. Steady shear rheological analyses at temperatures ranging from 0 to 80°C were performed using a strain-controlled rheometer. Viscosity versus shear rate curves were used to evaluate the effect of shear on viscosity, and the apparent viscosity at a shear rate of 100 s−1 was used to make direct comparisons between various concentration and temperature conditions. The 65% SP-reduced MCC had lower viscosity than the 95% SP-reduced MCC at the same casein concentration and temperature. Protein preparations at casein concentrations above 7.5% displayed shear-thinning behavior, which was more pronounced as concentration increased. The viscosity of MCC increased exponentially with casein concentration and decreased with temperature. The dependency of viscosity on temperature followed an Arrhenius relationship. A modified Arrhenius model able to accurately predict rheological properties under desired shear, temperature, and concentration conditions was developed and validated. This study provides critical rheological data necessary for developing practical applications of micellar casein preparations.

Preservation of Viscoelastic Properties of Rabbit Vocal Folds after Implantation of Hyaluronic Acid‐Based Biomaterials

To compare the rheological characteristics of structurally different hyaluronic acid (HA)-based biomaterials that are presently used for phonosurgery and to investigate their influence on the viscoelastic properties of vocal folds after implantation in an in vivo rabbit model. In vitro and in vivo rheometric investigation. Experimental laboratory, Inha and Seoul National Universities. Viscoelastic shear properties of 3 HA-based biomaterials (Rofilan, Restylane, and Reviderm) were measured with a strain-controlled rheometer. These biomaterials were injected into the deep layers of rabbit vocal folds, and viscoelastic moduli of the injected vocal folds were determined 2 months after the injection. The vocal fold specimens were observed using a light microscope and a transmission electron microscope. All HA-based biomaterials showed similar levels of shear viscosity, which were slightly higher than that of human vocal folds reported in previous studies. Compared with noninjected control vocal folds, there were no significant differences in the magnitudes of both elastic shear modulus (G') and viscous modulus (G") of injected vocal folds among all of the materials. Light microscopic images showed that all materials were observed in the deep layers of vocal folds and electron scanning images revealed that injected HA particles were homogeneously distributed in regions of collagenous fibers. HA-based biomaterials could preserve the viscoelastic properties of the vocal folds, when they were injected into vocal folds in an in vivo rabbit model. However, further studies on the influence of the biomaterials on the viscoelasticity of human vocal folds in ECM surroundings are still needed.

Morphology and melt rheology of biodegradable poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene succinate adipate) blends: effect of blend compositions

Effect of the blend ratios on the morphology and melt rheology of poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/poly(butylene succinate adipate) (PBSA) blends were investigated using scanning electron microscope, strain-controlled rheometer, and capillary rheometer techniques. The morphological analysis shows that the average radius of the dispersed droplets of PBSA particles increases with change in the blend composition, and a co-continuous structure was generated when PBSA content reached 40%. For the linear viscoelasticity, the increase in the storage modulus at low-frequency region was more distinct in PLA/PBSA blends than in their pure components. A second plateau is clearly observed when the PBSA content was 20% or higher. Weight relaxation spectra showed that there was a longer relaxation time for blend system. These relaxation times were considered to be the shape relaxation periods of the droplets, which increase with change in the blend composition. The interfacial tensions of the PLA/PBSA blends at different compositions were between 5.3 and 6.1 mN/m, calculated from the weighted relaxation spectra and slightly higher than those obtained from Palierne model. These values are relatively high, indicating the poor miscibility of the two polymers. Both pure PLA and PBSA follow the Cox–Merz rule, in good manner. Though, the rule does not satisfy with the PLA/PBSA blends. In addition, PLA/PBSA blends show more non-Newtonian tendencies than their pure components.

Rheological properties and crystal morphology of poly(ethylene oxide)/clay nanocomposites

Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)/organoclay nanocomposites were prepared by a solution intercalation method. The crystallization behavior of the nanocomposites was investigated by a cross-polarized optical microscopy (CPOM) fitted with a hot-stage facility. A decrease in size and regularity were observed as a result of incorporation of clay into the PEO matrix. The dynamic viscoelastic behavior of PEO/organoclay nanocomposites was assessed using a strain-controlled parallel plate rheometer. The effects of clay concentration on the rheological properties of the nanocomposites were extensively studied. A significant increase in the viscosity and storage modulus of the nanocomposites was found with increasing clay content. The reinforcing effect of the organoclay was determined by using a dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) and compared with the theoretically calculated values. POLYM. COMPOS., © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers.

Surfactant-induced friction reduction for hydrogels in the boundary lubricationregime

We studied the ability of surfactants to reduce friction by boundary lubrication for a bulkhydrogel sliding on a solid surface in an aqueous solution. A piece of negatively chargedpolyelectrolyte hydrogel was slid across solid surfaces with various levels of hydrophobicity,using a strain-controlled parallel-plate rheometer in water. A dramatic reduction in thesliding friction, especially in the low velocity region, was detected by the addition of asurfactant to the water medium. This friction reduction was only observed ingel–solid friction but not in solid–solid friction, indicating that the soft and wetnature of the gel surface was crucial for this surfactant-induced friction reduction.This phenomenon reveals that surfactants can remain at the gel-mated interface,thus preventing direct interfacial interaction between the sliding surfaces, andsignificantly decreasing the frictional stress. The reported dramatic reduction infriction highlights the frictional characteristics of soft and wet hydrogel materials.

Rheological Evaluation of Petroleum Jelly as a Base Material in Ointment and Cream Formulations : Linear Viscoelastic Behavior

ABSTRACT − The objective of the present study is to systematically characterize a linear viscoelastic behavior of petro-leum jelly in small amplitude oscillatory shear flow fields correspondent to the rheological ground state. With this aim, usinga strain-controlled rheometer, the dynamic viscoelastic properties of commercially available petroleum jelly have been mea-sured at 37 o C (body temperature) over a wide range of angular frequencies at an extremely small strain amplitude of 0.1%. In this article, the linear viscoelastic behavior was reported in detail and then explained from a structural view-point ofpetroleum jelly and discussed in depth with respect to the consumer’s requirements. Main findings obtained from this studycan be summarized as follows : (1) The storage modulus is always greater than the loss modulus over an entire range ofangular frequencies studied, meaning that the linear viscoelastic behavior of petroleum jelly is dominated by an elastic naturerather than a viscous nature. (2) Petroleum jelly shows a desirable linear viscoelastic behavior with respect to the consumer’srequirements because it is undesirable for the product to flow down from the skin at an initial stage upon contact with thehuman skin. (3) A fractional derivative model shows an excellent applicability to describe a linear viscoelastic behavior ofpetroleum jelly. However, this model should be used with a special caution because there exists no physical meaning forthe model parameters. (4) A modified form of the Cox-Merz rule gives a good ability to predict the relationship betweensteady shear flow properties (nonlinear behavior) and dynamic viscoelastic properties (linear behavior) for petroleum jelly.Key words

Nested dipolar Halbach arrays for the determination of magnetorheological properties at variable magnetic field

A new apparatus for the measurement of magnetorheological properties of magnetic fluids in a commercial strain-controlled rheometer is proposed. The new setup makes use of the concept of the Halbach cylinder to generate a homogeneous dipolar magnetic field, using only permanent magnets. Two of these Halbach cylinders are combined, allowing the magnetic field to be varied by simply rotating the cylinders relatively to one another. The magnetic field achieved in the middle of the cylinders varies from nearly zero to about 0.6 T without a significant variation on the high homogeneity (ΔB/B < 2 × 10 − 2) of the resulting field. To perform the rheological experiments inside a strong magnetic field, measurement geometries (concentric cylinders and a four-bladed vane) were constructed from a non-magnetic material (polyoxymethylene). For the first experiments with the new setup, a commercial magnetic suspension of carbonyl iron particles in hydrocarbon oil was investigated. Stress growth experiments at varying shear rates in the steady shear regime, as well as strain sweep experiments at constant frequency in the dynamic oscillatory regime, were performed. The results show a shift of the linear (elastic) regime in oscillatory shear to higher strain values for increasing magnetic field. The steady shear viscosity increases with increasing magnetic field. The behaviour of the magnetic suspension was understood in the context of the ratio from the viscous to the polarisation forces, the so-called Mason number.

Wormlike Micellar Aggregates of Saponins from Ilex paraguariensis A. St. Hil. (mate): A Characterisation by Cryo-TEM, Rheology, Light Scattering and Small-Angle Neutron Scattering

This work reports the physico-chemical characterisation of the micellar structures formed by a saponin fraction obtained from an important South American species, Ilex paraguariensis (mate). The mate saponin-enriched fraction (MSF) mainly comprises triterpenic glycosides and was obtained from mate green fruits through solid-phase extraction. The physico-chemical studies focused on the determination of the critical micellar concentration (CMC), the size and shape of the micelles, using conventional transmission electronic microscopy (TEM), as well as Cryo-TEM, light scattering and small-angle neutron scattering. The rheological behaviour of the solutions up to 4 wt% was also determined using a controlled-strain rheometer. Finally, the MSF ability to solubilise poorly water-soluble drugs was assayed using carbamazepine and flurbiprofen as basic and weak acidic drug models. Small spherical micelles of around 20 Å radius were observed in the presence of elongated structures with lengths of more than 500 nm, possessing a well-defined CMC of 0.41 g/L. MSF solutions ranging from 0.25 to 4% (w/v) demonstrated a viscoelastic behaviour independent of the concentration. MSF could improve the solubility of carbamazepine in the range of 0.13 to 1.5% (w/v).

Preparation and characterization of injectable calcium phosphate cement paste modified by polyethylene glycol-6000

An ICPC with high structure recoverability and paste stability was successfully developed directly incorporating PEG-6000 into the liquid phase of CPC. The rheological behavior of ICPC was investigated with rheometric scientific ARES902-30004 controlled strain rheometer. Novel approaches of flow rate, shear thinning index (SI), shear stress slowdown ( Δ τ) and thixotropy loop area have been applied to assess the injectability and structure recoverability of the ICPC paste. The addition of PEG-6000 to ICPC resulted in a thixotrophic structure with shortened setting time, slightly increased viscosity, larger thixotropic hysteresis loop area and lower Δ τ, with the improvement largely dependent on the PEG-6000 content. With acceptable injectability and shortened setting time, ICPC (1%) showed the lowest Δ τ and the highest SI, endowing the paste good structure recoverability and paste stability. The ICPC (1%) was bioactive and facilitated cell attachment and proliferation. The optimized ICPC (1%) paste with a relatively good structure stability and paste stability may serve as a good candidate for tooth root-canal fillings and percutaneous vertebroplasty in microinvasive surgery.

Liquid Barium is not Representative of Infant Formula: Characterisation of Rheological and Material Properties

Infants experiencing dysphagia may undergo a videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) to assess radiologically their coordination for sucking, swallowing, and breathing. No studies known to these authors have investigated whether the liquids used during infant radiological procedures are representative of liquids routinely fed to infants (e.g., formula). This study used an Advanced Rheometric Expansion System (ARES) strain-controlled rheometer to compare prethickened antiregurgitation formula, regular (thin) infant formula, and two types of regular infant formula, hand-thickened with a thickening agent and with liquid Polibar™ (barium-impregnated liquid). The viscosity, density, and yield stress of all samples were determined. Heated versus cooled liquids were compared. Results showed a significant difference in all rheological and material property parameters among the barium-impregnated liquids and the thickened and unthickened infant formula. This finding has important implications for the interpretation of the radiological results and subsequent clinical recommendations.

Effects of polymerization changes in maize proteins during nixtamalization on the thermal and viscoelastic properties of masa in model systems

Although nixtamalization is widely used in the food industry, a comprehensive understanding of the influence of proteins on the viscoelastic behavior and thermal properties in masa is still lacking. In this work, the effect of protein changes and its influence on the masa viscoelastic behavior were studied using model systems. Mixtures of lime-starch, zein-starch and lime-zein-starch were cooked at 90 °C from 20 to 150 min. Zein changes during cooking were analyzed by SDS-PAGE. Thermal transition temperatures and enthalpies were determined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Dynamic oscillatory tests were undertaken on model system samples with 50% (w/v) moisture content, using a strain-controlled rheometer. SDS-PAGE showed that zein polymerizes during cooking. In the zein-starch model system, no visible protein bands were found after 30 min cooking; however, when lime was present, five bands were observed in all samples. Thermal transitions were observed around 55–62 °C for all model systems, probably corresponding to starch retrogradation. Rheological studies showed that protein exhibited higher influence in the gel strength by increasing the elastic character of the system. It was hypothesized that the combined effects of lime on starch, zein polymerization and the formation of calcium-zein bonds during cooking, yield a stronger and more elastic gel structure.

Magnetorheology and sedimentation behavior of an aqueous suspension of surface modified carbonyl iron particles

Surface modified carbonyl iron particles (SMCIPs) were synthesized by coating carbonyl iron particles with an organic reagent (N-polyether, N, N, N,-acetyloxy) 2, 6-aminion-1, 3, 4-thiadiazole dimer. The properties of these SMCIPs, including morphology, structure, and magnetic behavior, were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and a vibrating sample magnetometer. Aqueous magnetorheological (MR) fluids were prepared using SMCIPs. MR properties were measured via a strain-controlled parallel disk rheometer equipped with a magnetic field source. Addition of the organic surface coating layer was found to greatly improve sedimentation stability of the aqueous MR fluids at a small cost of a reduction in field dependent yield stress.

An optimization strategy for die design in the low-density polyethylene annular extrusion process based on FES/BPNN/NSGA-II

An optimization strategy for die design in the polymer extrusion process is proposed in the study based on the finite element simulation, the back-propagation neural network, and the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II). The three-dimensional simulation of polymer melts flow in the extrusion process is conducted using the penalty finite element method. The model for predicting the flow patterns in the extrusion process is established with the artificial neural network based on the simulated results. The non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II is performed for the search of globally optimal design variables with its objective functions evaluated by the established neural network model. The proposed optimization strategy is successfully applied to the die design in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) annular extrusion process. A constrained multi-objective optimization model is established according to the characteristics of annular extrusion process. The minimum of velocity relative difference, δu, and the minimum of swell ratio, Sw, that, respectively, ensure the extrinsic feature, mechanical property, and dimensional precision of the final products are taken as optimization objectives with a constrained condition on the maximum shear stress. Three important die structure parameters, including the die contraction angle α, the ratio of parallel length to inner radius L/Ri, and the ratio of outer to inner radius Ro/Ri, are taken as design variables. The Phan-Thien–Tanner constitutive model is adopted to describe the viscoelastic rheological characteristics of LDPE whose parameters are fitted by the distributions of material functions detected on the strain-controlled rheometer. The penalty finite element model of polymer melts flowing through out of the extrusion die is derived. A decoupled method is employed to solve the viscoelastic flow problem with the discrete elastic-viscous split-stress algorithm. The simulated results are selected and extracted to constitute the learning samples according to the orthogonal experimental design method. The back propagation algorithm is adopted for the training and the establishment of the predicting model for the optimization objective. A Pareto-optimal set for the constrained multi-objective optimization is obtained using the constrained NSGA-II, and the optimal solution is extracted based on the fuzzy set theory. The optimization for die parameters in the annular extrusion process of low-density polyethylene is performed and the optimization objective is successfully achieved.

Rheological evaluation of petroleum jelly as a base material in ointment and cream formulations: Steady shear flow behavior

The objective of the present study is to systematically characterize a nonlinear rheological behavior of petroleum jelly (petrolatum) in steady shear flow fields correspondent to the spreading condition onto the human body. With this aim, using a strain-controlled rheometer, the steady shear flow properties of commercially available petroleum jelly have been measured at 37 degrees C (body temperature) over a wide range of shear rates. In this article, the shear rate dependence of steady shear flow behavior was reported from the experimentally obtained data. In particular, the existence of a yield stress and a non-Newtonian flow behavior were discussed in depth with a special emphasis on their importance in actual application onto the human body. In addition, several inelastic-viscoplastic flow models including a yield stress parameter were employed to make a quantitative description of the steady shear flow behavior, and then the applicability of these models was examined in detail. Main findings obtained from this study can be summarized as follows: (1) Petroleum jelly exhibits a finite magnitude of yield stress. The appearance of a yield stress is attributed to its three-dimensional network structure that can show a resistance to flow and plays an important role in determining a storage stability and sensory feature of the product. (2) Petroleum jelly demonstrates a pronounced non-Newtonian shear-thinning flow behavior which is well described by a power-law equation and may be interpreted by the disruption of a crystalline network under the influence of mechanical shear deformation. This rheological feature enhances sensory qualities of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products in which petroleum jelly is used as a base material during their actual usage. (3) The Casson, Mizrahi-Berk, Heinz-Casson and Herschel-Bulkley models are all applicable and have almost an equivalent ability to quantitatively describe the steady shear flow behavior of petroleum jelly whereas the Bingham model does not give a good validity. Among these flow models, the Herschel-Bulkley model provides the best applicability.

안티푸라민-에스®로션의 레올로지 특성 연구

Using a strain-controlled rheometer [Advanced Rheometric Expansion System (ARES)], the steady shear flow properties and the dynamic viscoelastic properties of lotion have been measured at (storage temperature) and (body temperature). In this article, the temperature dependence of the linear viscoelastic behavior was firstly reported from the experimental data obtained from a temperature-sweep test. The steady shear flow behavior was secondly reported and then the effect of shear rate on this behavior was discussed in detail. In addition, several inelastic-viscoplastic flow models including a yield stress parameter were employed to make a quantitative evaluation of the steady shear flow behavior, and then the applicability of these models was examined by calculating the various material parameters. The angular frequency dependence of the linear viscoelastic behavior was nextly explained and quantitatively predicted using a fractional derivative model. Finally, the strain amplitude dependence of the dynamic viscoelastic behavior was discussed in full to elucidate a nonlinear rheological behavior in large amplitude oscillatory shear flow fields. Main findings obtained from this study can be summarized as follows : (1) The linear viscoelastic behavior is almostly independent of temperature over a temperature range of . (2) The steady shear viscosity is sharply decreased as an increase in shear rate, demonstrating a pronounced Non-Newtonian shear-thinning flow behavior. (3) The shear stress tends to approach a limiting constant value as a decrease in shear rate, exhibiting an existence of a yield stress. (4) The Herschel-Bulkley, Mizrahi-Berk and Heinz-Casson models are all applicable and have an equivalent validity to quantitatively describe the steady shear flow behavior of lotion whereas both the Bingham and Casson models do not give a good applicability. (5) In small amplitude oscillatory shear flow fields, the storage modulus is always greater than the loss modulus over an entire range of angular frequencies tested and both moduli show a slight dependence on angular frequency. This means that the linear viscoelastic behavior of lotion is dominated by an elastic nature rather than a viscous feature and that a gel-like structure is present in this system. (6) In large amplitude oscillatory shear flow fields, the storage modulus shows a nonlinear strain-thinning behavior at strain amplitude range larger than 10 % while the loss modulus exhibits a weak strain-overshoot behavior up to a strain amplitude of 50 % beyond which followed by a decrease in loss modulus with an increase in strain amplitude. (7) At sufficiently large strain amplitude range (>100 %), the loss modulus is found to be greater than the storage modulus, indicating that a viscous property becomes superior to an elastic character in large shear deformations.

Preparation and characterization of composite magnetic particles and aqueous magnetorheological fluids

Composite magnetic particles (CMPs) with carbonyl iron (CI) core and N-glucose ethylenediamine triacetic acid (GED3A) shell were prepared by an in-situ chelating reaction, where the CI surface was coated with GED3A. And novel kind of aqueous magnetorheological (MR) fluids were prepared with thus obtained CMPs. The properties of CMPs, including morphology, structure, and magnetic behaviours were characterized, and the magnetorheological properties of the MR fluids were analyzed via a strain-controlled rheometer. It was found that the MR fluids exhibited high shear stress and quick response rate to magnetic field. Furthermore, the dispersion stability and the anti-oxidation property were substantially improved as revealed by stability test.

Double dipolar halbach array for rheological measurements on magnetic fluids at variable magnetic flux density B

A new experimental setup for measuring rheological properties of magnetic fluids at variable magnetic flux density B with increased homogeneity is described. The proposed setup is mounted on a commercial strain-controlled ARES rotational rheometer. The magnetic flux is generated via two concentric Halbach cylindrical arrays made from permanent NdFeB magnets. The use of permanent magnets overcomes some of the disadvantages of electromagnets (e.g., excessive heating of the coils, formation of large radial stray fields, cost of electricity, cooling, etc). The performance of the new setup is tested for a magnetorheological fluid in both steady and oscillatory shear regimes.

Friction between like-charged hydrogels—combined mechanisms of boundary, hydrated and elastohydrodynamic lubrication

The friction between two like-charged polyelectrolyte gels in pure water is measured by using a normal strain-controlled rheometer with a parallel-plates geometry. The effects of normal stress, gel elasticity and sample thickness on the velocity dependence of friction between the gels are investigated. The frictional stress demonstrates strong velocity dependence (liquid-like) when the gel is soft and thick, while it demonstrates a weak or even no velocity dependence (solid-like) when the gel is rigid and thin. The former is interpreted by a combined mechanism of boundary lubrication and hydrated lubrication, wherein the thickness of the lubricating layer is velocity-independent, due to the formation of an electric double layer at the soft and repulsive interfaces. On the other hand, the latter is interpreted by a combined mechanism of boundary lubrication and elastohydrodynamic lubrication, wherein the thickness of the lubricating layer is velocity-enhanced by the water entrainment during sliding. The friction of the soft, thick sample is related to micro-contact while that of the rigid, thin sample is related to macroscopic geometric effect. This work may contribute to the science of friction between two soft and repulsive interfaces in water.

Viscoelastic properties of reconstituted cassava dough

AbstractThe influence of water (60–70%) and salt (1–2%) content on the viscoelastic properties of cassava dough, reconstituted from cooked flour, was studied using a controlled strain rheometer. Reconstituted cassava dough behaved as a solid‐like material with the storage modulus (G′) predominant over the loss modulus (G″). As the water content was increased, G′ decreased and G″ increased; but tan δ was practically independent of the water content. This behaviour suggested that water had plasticising effects, but probably did not change dough structure. The effect of salt content on the dynamic rheological properties of cassava dough was not significant, except for G″ values at water contents close to 60%.