Accessory for MCR:
Polarized Light Imaging

Record the shearing of samples and visualize the shear stress distribution

Directly monitor sheared samples with polarized light, optics, and a camera, and choose between movable polarizers for polarized and depolarized images. Additionally, a circular polarizer option is available.  Observe a wide sample area (diameter of 25 mm) to visualize the shear stress distribution within the sample under shear, either with parallel-plate or cone-plate measuring systems. Telecentric optics ensure an equally illuminated sample and direct the image directly onto the CCD chip of the camera, while keeping the dimensions as they occur in the sample. Employing Peltier for temperature between -20 °C and +200 °C or electrical temperature control for a temperature range from room temperature up to 300 °C, you can also study temperature-induced processes.

Watch, analyze, and match your data directly with the visual information

The polarized light imaging option automatically records images and video simultaneously during rheological testing. As they are stored by the rheometer software RheoCompass, you can analyze the recorded measurement image or video whenever you want. The pictures and videos are optionally displayed directly in the diagram, so you can assign them to the measuring point at which they were recorded, and in this way link them to the rheological data. The rheometer software controls both the rheometer and the CCD camera. This perfect match between polarized light imaging and rheological analysis provides the most valuable data for research and development.

Combine your rheometer with other systems from the RheoOptics Toolbox

The polarized light imaging option is part of Anton Paar’s portfolio of accessories for structure analysis, as well as part of the modular RheoOptics Toolbox for the MCR rheometer series. Using an MCR rheometer in combination with the polarized light imaging option or switching to other optical accessories only requires minimal setup time. To apply temperature, Peltier and electrical temperature devices can be used additionally to other rheo-optics tools, like Raman spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, (fluorescence) light microscopy, and UV curing. In this way, you can get the most out of your measuring equipment. Other setups for structure analysis that can be combined with your MCR rheometer are, e.g., rheo-SALS (small-angle light scattering), and dielectric spectroscopy.

Explore the relevance of polarized light imaging for your specific applications

Crystallization processes and different types of crystals are relevant for many applications, e.g., in optical devices. The mechanisms leading to the different morphologies are not yet fully understood, and the influencing factors, e.g., molecular weight, are not yet clear. Knowledge about crystallization and crystal orientation is therefore essential for material, process, and product development as they strongly influence the products’ final properties.

With polarized light imaging you can:

• Detect the collective behavior of macromolecules and nanoparticles via changes in the birefringence properties of a material
• Control a material’s behavior during loading into the rheometer: Checking filling, tracking of air bubbles or impurities trapped in the gap
• Monitor the sample during thermal treatment: partial melting or crystallization
• Observe edge fracture and fracture propagation
• Monitor sample residual stress during or after gap setting (e.g., with a polymer melt). You see black images when the sample is relaxed and normal force is very low.