Accessory for MCR:
Rheo-Microscope

Combination of light microscopy with rheological measurements
Automated image and video recording during measurements
Lens magnifications: 5x, 10x, 20x, 50x
Modules for polarization and fluorescence microscopy available
Temperature range from -20 °C to +300 °C

Rheo-Microscope

Key features
Compatible instruments
Similar products
Complementary products

The Rheo-microscope delivers comprehensive insight into the inner structure of samples during rheological measurements, allowing visualization of the influence of shear and deformation forces on the sample structure. Furthermore, it enables you to observe and record the structure of emulsions at various points in the shear field during shear. Thanks to the outstanding modularity of Anton Paar’s MCR rheometers, this setup can be combined with polarization and fluorescence modules. It can also be attached to the optical temperature control systems to enable microscopic investigations of polymer melts and mixtures at temperatures up to 300 °C.

Key features

Observe your sample while gaining information on rheo-properties

This setup consists of an exchangeable camera, a microscope lens, and a light source to simultaneously visualize a sample’s behavior and structure during shearing. The lens can magnify 5x, 10x, 20x, or 50x, while the glass-thickness-corrected lenses enable undisturbed imaging through the bottom glass plate. Different upper measuring systems made of glass are available to avoid reflection and increase the illuminating light in the sample. The Rheo-microscope can be used for both single- and twin-drive rheometer configurations (counter-rotation and counter-oscillation).

Polarization microscopy for birefringent samples

Combine the Rheo-microscope with a module for polarized light microscopy containing rotatable polarizers for measurements under crossed and parallel polarizers. Polarized microscopy is ideal for investigations performed on samples with a primarily anisotropic nature that show birefringence. It can be used to examine orientation effects under shear flow of crystalline materials or to observe the formation and growth of crystals during crystallization. Both the mechanical information from the rheological measurements and the optical information from the polarized microscope lead to a better understanding of such mechanisms. An additional module for fluorescence microscopy, featuring a high-intensity light source and exchangeable excitation and transmission filters, is available.

Part of the modular RheoOptics Toolbox

The concept of the RheoOptics Toolbox offers numerous possibilities to adapt your MCR rheometer to your needs. Quickly switch to other accessories for combined optical and rheological investigations. In this way, you can combine the Peltier and electrical temperature devices with other rheo-optic tools, such as Raman spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, (fluorescence) light microscopy, small-angle light scattering (SALS), and polarized imaging (SIPLI).

Image recording and display fully integrated into software

The rheometer software controls both the rheometer and the CCD camera, allowing perfectly synchronized recording of images and videos. Images and videos are automatically recorded during measurements and can be saved for evaluation. The images and videos are directly assigned to the respective rheological data and can be analyzed accordingly.