Anton Paar’s instruments deliver information on your materials’ structure, behavior, and consistency. Any type of sample can be analyzed – liquid and particulate – from the incoming raw materials to intermediate products and the final paints, inks, and coatings (also coated and painted surfaces). All devices are designed to make it easy to characterize your samples whether in dry particulate form, in liquid, or on surfaces.

Anton Paar offers a comprehensive portfolio of instruments for characterizing paints and coatings throughout the complete life cycle from the raw materials to the applied product.

Find your solution

Paints and coatings can be challenging. Anton Paar offers a variety of solutions to determine the essential parameters, from the raw materials to the finished product.

  Solution Your benefit Instrument
DISPERSION/SUSPENSION - LIQUID
The wood coating is too thin or too thick for the application. Determine the viscosity of the coating by performing quick quality control checks at a constant speed to adapt the consistency. The wood coating is neither running off nor leaves uneven ridges on the surface.
The wood coating is too thin or too thick for the application. Determine the viscosity at different shear rates to gain insight into the viscosity of the coating at rest and during application. Use the results to adjust the flow behavior of the wood coating so it is ideal at each stage of its usage.
The paint gets stuck while pumping or during application. Analyze the yield point of the paint with a rheometer or a viscometer and lower the yield point so that less force is needed to initiate sample flow. Zero downtime of your production plant thanks to a smooth and efficient transportation process during paint production
The wall paint produces an inadequate layer thickness or shows sagging after application. Analyze the structural decomposition and recovery of the inner structure of the paint to adjust the formulation. Your wall paint has a sufficiently high wet layer thickness and shows no sagging.
The automotive paint is too thick for spraying and produces small visible droplets that lead to a bumpy finish. Analyze the viscosity of the paint at high shear rates (1,000 s-1 to 10,000 s-1) and adjust the ingredients. You can be sure that your product has just the right viscosity for high-shear applications, e.g. spraying, brushing, and has a smooth finish.
Pigments and fillers in the architectural paint settle during (short term) storage. Analyze the viscosity at low shear rates (<1 s-1) and adjust the formula. Use the results to change the formulation and prevent premature sedimentation of the paint. The higher the viscosity in the low-shear range, the better the stability.
The paint shows phase separation or sedimentation after a certain time at rest (long term). Check the storage stability with a frequency sweep and adjust your formulation. Long storage stability of your paint is guaranteed.
The paint is too thin for the application at 50 °C. Determine and adjust the viscosity exactly at the defined temperature. The paint has the ideal formulation for the application conditions.
The hardening of the two-component epoxy coating already occurs during application. Analyze the viscosity to find out when it is doubled compared to its state at the beginning of the reaction. With this knowledge you can adjust the formula of the epoxy coating. Your epoxy coating hardens at the right time after the application period.
The paint does not dry after application in environments with high humidity. Adjust the humidity and temperature of the measurement environment during the rheological characterization of your paint. Your paint dries under predefined temperature and humidity conditions.
The UV-sensitive coating did not cure as expected and the surface shows scratches and bumps. Simulate crosslinking reactions with different intensities of UV light while measuring the rheological properties. A coating that cures within seconds under UV light and perfectly covers and protects the coated material
The film of a wood coating is too brittle or too soft after curing. Determine the DMA behavior of the film and adapt the formulation. Sufficient elasticity of the film and a good coating finish.
The paint does not achieve the desired final appearance (paint sheen). Determine and adjust the pigment particle size. A flawless product that shows the desired matt or glossy finish and is bought again by the satisfied end customer
The paint does not show the desired color intensity. Measure and adjust the pigment particle size as color intensity increases as particle size decreases. Your paint has just the right color intensity and the user is happy with the result after application.
The material shows inconsistent coating behavior. Determine the particle size of the paint or coating dispersion to identify and prevent particle aggregation prior to the coating process. Uniform coating behavior
The dispersion shows an unwanted tendency to aggregation. Determine the zeta potential of the particles in your dispersion with Litesizer to improve your formulation and stabilize your production processes. Speed up the production process and avoid possible drop-outs of precious batches due to early recognition of zeta potential issues.
POWDER - DRY
Powder raw materials cannot be pumped. Simulate the pumpability of solid raw materials using a powder cell. Use the results to avoid issues during transport and storage of powdery materials.
The powder coating either doesn't cure nicely or cannot be transported pneumatically. Determine fluidization and curing behavior and correlate the influence of flow aids on fluidization as well as the curing process. Increased customer satisfaction with powders that can be easily applied and show good curing behavior
The powder coating does not appear even. Analyze the particle size distribution with a particle size analyzer and optimize it to achieve the desired outer appearance of the powder coating. The powder coating shows high durability and meets the visual requirements.

Show full table 

You did not find your specific sample? Anton Paar still has the solution for your challenge. Just contact us for more information. 

The whole world of viscometry and rheometry

Flow and deformation behavior are essential parameters when it comes to material characterization. Viscometers and rheometers are the ideal tools to see whether your sample is in the right flow.

Find out more

Particle characterization

Anton Paar offers you instrumentation for all of them and more – it’s the broadest particle characterization portfolio available from one single provider worldwide. Make use of this wide choice and also benefit from decade-long expertise in the field – all at only one point of contact.

Find out more

Quality control and R&D for paints and coatings

Viscometers

Viscosity measurements of paints and coatings are essential for quality control at every step in the production line. They ensure consistency of incoming raw materials, provide immediate information on the processability and pumpability of a material, and help with verifying the consistency of end products as well as their specifications. A rotational viscometer like ViscoQC 100 or 300 is commonly used for quality control in paint production and fulfills standards such as ISO 2555, ASTM D2196, and many more. Perform a single-point dynamic viscosity determination with ViscoQC 100 for quick coating quality control or start a multi-point viscosity measurement with ViscoQC 300 to determine, for example, the flow behavior and yield point of the paint. Achieve outstanding results using an easy-to-use stand-alone instrument with intelligent features:

  • Ready-to-use out-of-the-box
  • Built-in digital leveling function for proper alignment checks
  • Magnetic coupling for one-handed removal/attachment of spindle
  • Automatic spindle/guard detection and digital instrument alignment check
  • TruMode for situations where the spindle/speed combination is unknown
  • Air-counter-cooled Peltier temperature device with T-Ready™ which shows when the sample has reached temperature equilibration

The RheolabQC rotational rheometer also lets you study how samples regenerate their structure after shear, so you can adjust your method and process parameters accordingly. With the wide range of measuring systems available for RheolabQC, you can simulate the high shear rates typical of spraying applications. Special Krebs stirrers, compliant with ASTM D562, allow you to measure viscosity in Krebs units (KU). All measuring systems are automatically recognized by Toolmaster to prevent user error and enhance traceability.

Rheometers

With a rheometer, you can track the viscosity changes of your paint or coating from one measurement point to the next. You instantly gain deeper insights into your sample’s deformation, flow behavior, and structure, so you can adjust your process parameters right away. Rheometers enable measurements in both rotational and oscillatory mode. The choice of rheometer depends on the application:

  • To investigate the deformation and flow behavior of a sample, use MCR 53.
  • For observing sample structure, MCR 73 and 93 are recommended.
  • For the full range, starting from routine quality control to high-end research and development measurements, MCR 303 or MCR 503 is the best choice.
  • MCR 53, 73, and 93, as well as MCR 303 and 503, offer application-specific accessories to fully characterize rheological properties of paint and coating samples.

Anton Paar rheometers offer a wide range of accessories and measuring systems to support measurements tailored to your specific application. Choose from entry-level and quality-control rheometers to R&D rheometers, all supported by one software platform for consistent workflows, built-in error prevention, and time savings: 

  • Toolmaster: Automatic recognition of measuring system and accessories
  • QuickConnect coupling: One-handed connection of the measuring system
  • TruStrain: Quick adjustment to the target shear rate or strain step without overshoot TruRate: Precise control of sample strain, shear rate, or stress without pre-testing
  • TruRay: Lighting of the measurement surface on all MCR rheometers for a clear view of the sample. 

Rheometers can also be equipped with powder cells for powder rheology, helping you understand the behavior of your powders. They can be used as a quick quality-control tool but also for in-depth powder analysis. Two different powder cells allow powder analysis across process-relevant states, from compacted and consolidated to fully fluidized. This lets you simulate every process step, from mixing and storage to pneumatic conveying and spraying.

Particle size analyzers

Particle size influences final appearance, including color, gloss, and opacity, as well as the processability of paints, inks, and coatings. Anton Paar’s Litesizer DIF and DIA are well-suited for monitoring particle size and particle size distribution, enabling analysis of dry powders as well as particles in suspension. Litesizer DLS supports zeta potential measurements to assess formulation stability and agglomeration behavior in dispersions, and particle size measurements in the nanometer range.

Surface area, pore-size, and solid-density analyzers

Powder surface area is measured to better understand key material behaviors such as critical pigment volume concentration (CPVC) and dispersion formulation. Surface area measurements can be performed with Nova or Autosorb series instruments. True density measurements with Ultrapyc (ASTM D5965) support formulation of blends, calculations for cured film thickness, coverage, and CPVC (ASTM D5965), and determination of percent volume nonvolatile matter in coatings (ASTM D6093). Tapped density measurements with Ultratap 500 series provide a quick evaluation of fresh and recycled materials, including flowability.

INSTRUMENTS FOR SURFACE AREA DETERMINATION

The Autosorb series

  • Surface area measurement via krypton adsorption
  • Common test method:
    • BET surface area (very-low-pressure volumetric cryogenic gas adsorption)
  • Accessories:
    • External sample preparation unit

The Nova series

  • Surface area measurement by nitrogen adsorption
  • Common test method:
    • BET surface area (low-pressure volumetric cryogenic gas adsorption)

SOLID DENSITY ANALYZER

The Ultrapyc series
  • True density determination of dry pigments and paint films
  • Common test methods:
    • Gas pycnometry for true solid density

The Ultratap 500 series

  • Tapped bulk density determination for single-component powders and blends
  • Common test methods:
    • Tapped bulk density
    • Carr’s index and Hausner ratio
  • Accessories:
    • Large-volume adapter
    • Noise-reduction cabinet

PARTICLE SIZE ANALYZER

The Litesizer DIF and DIA series

  • Determination of particle size and particle size distribution in liquids and dry products using laser diffraction (Litesizer DIF)
  • Determination of particle size and shape in liquids and dry products using dynamic image analysis (Litesizer DIA)
  • Common test methods:
    • Laser diffraction for particle size and size distribution analysis (Litesizer DIF)
    • o Dynamic image analysis for particle size and shape analysis (Litesizer DIA)
  • Accessories:
    • Autosampler
    • External sonicator

Litesizer DLS

  • Particle size and zeta potential measurements of liquid dispersions
  • Common test methods:
    • Dynamic light scattering (DLS) for particle size analysis
    • Electrophoretic light scattering (ELS) for zeta potential measurements
  • Accessories:
    • Dosing system for automated pH-dependent measurement
    • Various cuvette types

RHEOMETERS FOR POWDER

Powder Flow Cell

  • Analysis of powder behavior in the fluidized state

Powder Shear Cell

  • Powder flow analysis with temperature and humidity control

ROTATIONAL VISCOMETERS

ViscoQC 100

  • Single-point dynamic viscosity determination for high- to low-viscosity liquids, for quick quality control
    • Common test method:
      • Single-point viscosity measurement
  • Measurement geometries: relative spindles (L/RH), DIN/SSA spindles, vanes, glass rods
  • Toolmaster™* and magnetic/spindle coupling**

ViscoQC 300

  • • Multi-point dynamic viscosity testing of high- to low-viscosity liquids for quick quality control
    • Common test methods:
      • Flow/viscosity curve
      • Yield point determination
      • Investigation of time-dependent behavior
  • Measurement geometries: relative spindles (L/RH), DIN/SSA spindles, vanes, glass rods
  • Toolmaster™* and magnetic/spindle coupling**

ROTATIONAL RHEOMETERS

RheolabQC
  • Rotational rheological tests for materials ranging from low-viscosity liquids to semi-solid samples
    • Common test methods:
      • Rotational test for yield/flow point determination
      • Rotational 3-interval thixotropy test (3iTT)
  • Measurement geometries: concentric cylinders and cups, double-gap cylinders, stirrers, Krebs stirrers
  • Toolmaster™* and quick connect coupling**

MCR 53/73/93

  • Rotational rheological tests with cup-and-bob, parallel-plate, and cone-plate measuring systems for liquid to semi-solid samples
  • Rotational and oscillatory rheological tests with cup-and-bob, parallel-plate, and cone-plate measuring systems for almost all sample types
    • Common test methods:
      • Rotational test for yield/flow point determination
      • Rotational 3-interval thixotropy test (3iTT)
      • Amplitude sweep and frequency sweep
      • Oscillatory 3-interval thixotropy test (3iTT)
  • Measurement geometries: cone-plate, parallel-plate, cylindrical geometries
  • Toolmaster™* and quick connect coupling**

ROTATIONAL AND OSCILLATORY RHEOMETERS

MCR 303/503

  • Investigations into the viscoelastic properties of raw materials, formulations, and final products from QC to R&D
    • Common test methods:
      • Rotational and oscillatory measurements of solids
      • Powder rheology
  • Measurement geometries: solid fixtures for films, fibers, and bars, fixtures for extensional rheology
  • Toolmaster™* and quick connect coupling**

MCR 703 MultiDrive

  • • Complete material characterization in R&D
    • Common test methods:
      • Advanced oscillatory and rotational tests with one or two drive units
      • Full DMA capabilities in torsion, tension, bending, and compression mode
  • Measurement geometries: three-point-bending, cantilever, solid fixtures, shear sandwich
  • Toolmaster™* and quick connect coupling**

* for automatic tool recognition and configuration to ensure easy handling and minimize user errors
** for easy one-handed attachment/exchange of spindles, bobs, and measuring systems

Applications

Application reports

A chamber for characterizing the rheological behavior of UV-curing materials

A multi-method approach to quality control illustrated on the industrial powder coating process

Coatings, Paints | Determining Rheological Properties with RheolabQC

Coatings, Paints | ViscoQC Quality Control of Coatings and Paints

Coatings, Paints | Viscosity measurement of paints and coatings at high shear rates with RheolabQC

Glowing Colors: Characterization of Printing Inks using DLS and ELS

Modern rheological measuring methods for the coating technology

Powder Coatings: Important Parameters for Quality Control and Development

Quality Assurance - Rheological Testing of the Sagging Behavior of Coatings

Rheological Properties of Printing Inks and Correlations with Particle Size Distribution

Rheology of Coatings: Determining the Yield Point with the MCR 72

Rheology of Coatings: Flow Point Determination with the MCR 92

Anton Paar Wiki

On the Anton Paar Wiki you can find extensive information about the basics of viscometry containing helpful calculators and viscosity tables to get to know the theory. Rheology knowledge is also represented on the Wiki, for example in an article about the basics, but also more specific articles on powder rheology, the thixotropic effect, and suspension rheology. Theory about zeta potential determination, particle size analysis with laser diffraction as well as the BET theory and gas adsorption as methods for surface area and pore size determination is also covered.

Webinars

How to understand paint and coating powders at each step of their life cycle in order to improve their processability and quality

Paints and coatings come with considerable requirements, simply because of all the different applications and situations they are used for and the different materials they are made of. Covering and understanding the whole life cycle of paints and coatings means being able to measure and analyze the right properties at any step – from the incoming raw materials across all intermediary steps like mixing to the final and finished product. But the life cycle doesn’t end with the finished paint or coating. Transportation, long-term storage, and the applicability are crucial, as are the durability and scratch resistance of the applied materials. No matter whether in development or production, there are many parameters influencing the manufacturing and application process which should be addressed, for example particle size, zeta potential, powder rheology, surface area, and true density.

  • Knowing the crucial powder parameters
  • Knowing why these parameters are important for stability and processability
  • Learning about the simplicity of obtaining these parameters
Watch now

Time to evolve 14 – Get the perfect finish of your paints and coatings

Did you ever ask yourself how the composition of your paint influences the quality of your final product? With this webinar you will learn how leveling and sedimentation becomes a thing of the past. You will get insights on:

  • Rheological behavior of paints and coatings
  • Rotational test methods like yield point and thixotropy determination
  • Interpretation of test results and how to optimize the rheology of coatings to guarantee a perfect application behavior
Watch now

Master the flow of your coatings

Did you ever ask yourself how your quality control can be made more efficient and reliable? Or how rheology can help you in every step of the R&D process of your coatings? From quality or process control at the production line up to specific measurements in the development process of new products – register today and learn how Anton Paar rheometers and viscometers can help you with:

  • Analysis of viscosity
  • Yield and flow point determination
  • Decomposition and regeneration behavior
  • Investigation of curing and drying behavior
Watch now
Contact