Accessory for MCR:
Cone Partitioned Plate

For viscoelastic samples when performing LAOS and transient tests
Reduces the impact of edge fracture effects
Reduces errors due to sample trimming

Cone Partitioned Plate

Key features
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When measuring viscoelastic samples such as polymer melts, combine the MCR 702e MultiDrive – including two EC motors in Separate Motor Transducer (SMT) Mode – with the special Cone Partitioned Plate geometry to eliminate measurement errors due to uneven filling or secondary flow effects. This setup enables precise material characterization with large-amplitude oscillatory shear measurements (LAOS) and transient tests.

Key features

Reduce measurement errors due to edge fracture effects

When testing viscoelastic materials with highly elastic properties, edge fracture effects can result in an incomplete filling of the gap, which limits the characterization of these materials at large deformations or high shear rates. By means of a rheometer with two EC motors working in SMT mode and combined with the Cone Partitioned Plate accessory, the sample properties are directly measured in the center of the sample. This eliminates the impact of disturbing effects on the outer surface. This way, you increase the measurement range of viscoelastic samples when performing LAOS tests and transient tests (e.g. start-up shear).

Inaccurate sample trimming without influence on the results

The Cone Partitioned Plate accessory consists of an upper partitioned plate and a lower cone. While the outer upper plate has the same outer diameter as the lower cone, the inner plate of the upper geometry has a much smaller diameter. During the measurement, the outer plate is used to fix the sample within the gap, while only the inner plate is used to measure the stresses within the sample. As the outer part of the sample is not used to measure the sample’s properties, inaccurate sample trimming does not affect the accuracy of the measurement. This helps users obtain precise data, even with limited sample preparation time.

Measure and control the temperature where it matters

The lower measuring system includes a temperature sensor to increase the accuracy of temperature determination. The sensor is positioned directly in the measuring system and very close to the sample, which reduces possible offsets between the sample temperature and the temperature measured at the sensor. In combination with Anton Paar’s innovative optoelectronic technology, accurate determination of the sample temperature is possible, even during step or ramp-like temperature changes, without affecting torque sensitivity in SMT mode.

Simple setup of a complex system

We know that even complex systems should be easy to handle. With this in mind, we designed every component and created every handling step for smooth operation. The Toolmaster™ function for both the upper and lower measuring system, enables automatic tool recognition and configuration without any manual settings in the software. The QuickConnect function allows fast changes of the upper inner plate and the lower cone. In addition, the Cone Partitioned Plate design enables easy alignment of all geometry partitions within only a few minutes.