Physical Properties Analysis

The physical properties are critical to understanding and controlling a wide range of properties, from product processability, applicability to end use performance. The Nouryon ECCD testing expertise covers key physical property for a wide range of materials such as chemicals, polymers and plastics, consumer products, fuels and lubes, films, coatings and many other materials. Understanding the capabilities and limitations of a material provides insights on every level of the supply chain.

The capabilities available at Nouryon ECCD are:

• Particle size distribution: Laser Diffraction and Dynamic Light Scattering
• Rheology and viscosimetry

Particle size
Particle sizing by laser diffraction is an established technique to characterize dry powders, suspensions and emulsions for particle sizes ranging from tens of nanometers up to several millimeters. The particle size distribution is calculated based on Mie theory from the angular variation in intensity of light scattered as a laser beam passes through a dispersed sample.
Dynamic Light Scattering enables the characterization of nanoparticles, colloids or molecules dispersed or dissolved in a liquid. The intensity fluctuations due to the Brownian motion are used to calculate the particle size in the sub-micron range as well as to determine the zeta potential.

Rheology
Properties such as viscosity, viscoelasticity, and thixotropy control performance like flow and spray-ability. Rheology testing helps to investigate how the microstructure relates to the stability of emulsions and suspensions. In addition, viscoelasticity testing can help determine the correct process range to avoid degradation or to understand the application windows of thermoset adhesives.