1.

RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

Rheology Definitions and Terminology

Rheology: Rheology is the science that studies the deformation and flow of materials
(in liquid, melt or solid form) under the influence of an applied shear stress
Elasticity: Elasticity is the ability of material to store deformational energy, and can be
viewed simply as the capacity of material to regain its original shape after being
deformed.
Viscosity: Viscosity is the measure of materials resistance to flow.
Viscoelasticity: Materials respond to an applied displacement or force by exhibiting
either elastic or viscous behavior or a combination of these, called Viscoelasticity.
Ideal Fluids (Newtonian fluids): The fluids for which the applied stress () is
proportional to the strain rate or shear rate  i.e., follows Newton’s law are called Ideal
fluids.
Let us imagine two parallel plates of very large area A at a distance of y apart by an
ideal fluid. A shear force F is applied to the top of the plate and the top plate moves with
uniform velocity u. (as shown in Figure 1).

Moving plate with surface area ‘A’

Flow behaviour of liquids

Therefore a Newtonian fluid exhibits a linear relationship between shear stress & shear
rate and hence viscosity is independent of the applied shear conditions as shown in

figure.
 (Newtonian Fluid flow behaviour)

The viscosity of a Newtonian fluid is dependent only on temperature but not on shear
rate and time. e.g. Water, Milk, Sugar solution, Mineral Oil etc. are the common
example of Newtonian fluid.
Most cases, the relationship between shear stress () and shear rate () is not linear and
these fluids are called as Non-Newtonian Fluid.

The limit of Newtonian behavior

At a high-enough shear rates, all liquids become non-Newtonian, but the liquids we
have been considering so far only very high values of shear rate. For instance, the
values of the critical shear rates for glycerol and mineral oils are above10 5 s-1. The
viscosity of a set of typical silicone oils, which are often used as Newtonian standards,
become non-Newtonian at lower and lower values of shear rate as their molecular
weight increases and hence general viscosity level is increased at high molecular
weight.

Non-Newtonian Fluids
A Non-Newtonian fluid is a fluid in which the viscosity changes with the applied strain
rate. As result, non-Newtonian fluids may not have a well-defined viscosity.
Non-Newtonian fluids are either time dependent or time independent.
Non-Newtonian Fluids, Time Dependent
It is further classified as rheopectic and thixopectic non-Newtonian fluids.
Rheopecty or Rheopexy: The fluid in which the viscosity increases with shear strain is
called rheopecty or rheopexy fluid. Example: lubricants.

Thixotropy: The fluid in which the viscosity decreases with time at constant shear
strain is called rheopecty or rheopexy fluid. Example: gypsum pastes, printer inks etc.
 Rheopectic Thixotropic

Non-Newtonian Fluids, Time Independent

The viscosity of a Non-Newtonian time independent fluid is dependent only on
temperature and shear stress () and shear rate ()
Depending on how viscosity () changes with shear rate () the flow behavior is
characterized as
a) Shear Thinning – In this case  decreases with increased.

Pseudoplastic Fluids: Shear thinning fluids are also called Pseudoplastic. e.g.
Paint, Shampoo, Slurries, Polymer Melts, Ketch up, etc.
The  -  and  -  relationship for pseudoplastic fluids is shown below in Figure

Plot of shear stress versus shear rate for Plot of shear viscosity versus shear
Pseudoplastic fluids rate for pseudoplastic fluids

b) Shear Thickening – In this case  increases with increase 

Dilatant Fluids : Shear Thickening fluids are called dilatant.

Ex : wet sand, concentrated starch suspensions, etc.
The  -  and  -  relationship for dilatant fluids is shown below in figure.

Plot of shear stress versus shear rate for Plot of shear viscosity versus shear
rate for dilatant fluids dilatant fluids

c) Bingham Plastic: Exhibits so-called yield value i.e. a critical shear stress must be
applied to cause the fluid flow.

Bingham Fluids / Plastic: These fluids are believed to have an internal structure,
which resists the flow of fluid at lower shear stress. Therefore, a certain shear stress
value needs to be applied to help the fluid flow.
Examples: - Tomato Paste, Tooth Paste, Hand Cream, Grease, etc.

The characteristic shear stress for a given Bingham Plastic fluid is called Yield Stress.

Shear rate  (1/s)

Measurement of Rheological Properties

For Thermoplastics
A great variety of instruments have been used to measure the rheological properties of
liquid and molten polymer. Most of these instruments are capable of measuring the
rheological properties as function of temperature and rate of shear.

1. Capillary Type
2. Rotational Type
3. Torque Rheometer
These instruments are laboratory tool often used to predict processing behaviour and to
simulate realistic use conditions. Some of the typical applications include determining
melt flow behaviour, polymers degradation time at varying shear rates, rheological
properties, pigment dispersion, characterizing different formulations, and observing the
effects of changing ingredients and temperatures.

1.1 MELT FLOW INDEX TEST (MFI)

Definition: It is defined as the amount of material flow in ten minutes from a standard
die under prescribed conditions of temperature and pressure. The unit of MFI is
g/10min.

The melt-flow rate (MFR) or melt volume-flow rate (MVR) test measures the flow of a
molten polymer through an extrusion plastometer under specific temperature and load
conditions.
Significance:
 The reported melt index values help to distinguish between the different grades of a
polymer. A high molecular weight material is more resistant to flow than a low
molecular-weight material.
 It can also be useful for other purposes like studying the relative thermal effect with
respect to barrel residence time on plastics.
Test Methods: ASTM D 1238, ISO 1133, DIN 53735
Specimen Dimension: The test specimen should be in the form of powder, granules,
strips or film or moulded slugs.
Conditioning: The test specimen should be conditioned at 232°C and 505% relative
humidity for 48 hrs prior to the test.
Test Apparatus: The extrusion plastometer consists of a vertical cylinder with a small
die of 2 mm at the bottom and a removable piston at the top. A charge of material is
placed in the cylinder and preheated for several minutes. The piston is placed on top of
the molten polymer and its weight forces the polymer through the die and on to a
collecting plate. The time interval for the test ranges from 15 seconds to 6 minutes in
order to accommodate the different viscosities of plastics. Temperatures used are 220,
250 and 300°C. Loads used are 1.2, 5 and 10 kg. The amount of polymer collected after
a specific interval is weighed and normalized to the number of grams that would have
been extruded in 10 minutes: melt flow rate is expressed in grams per reference time.
 Apparatus for determination of MFI

Test Procedure:
 Set the temperature according to the chart given in Table.
 Place the thermometer on the hold provided.
 The set temperature stabilizes for 5 min then fills the material using tool without any
air gap. Then apply the load over the piston. Allow some time for material to melt and
soften and purge the material upto the lower mark of the piston.
 The rate of extrusion is measured by cutting off the extrudate at suitable intervals.
These cuts are taken when the piston head is between 50 mm and 20 mm the upper
end of the die (i. e. between the scribed lines on the piston).
 At least three cut-off samples are weighed and average mass is calculated. MFI is
calculated as the amount extruded in 600 seconds. The results are reported,
specifying the temperature and applied load.

Table: Temperature and load for MFI test as a Case Study
Material Temperature Load, Kg
Acetal (Homo &
190 2.16/1.05
Copolymer)
PMMA 230 1.2/3.8
ABS 200 and 230 5.0 and 3.8
Cellolose esters 190 and 210 0.325/2.16/21.6
Nylon66 275 0.325
Nylon6 235 1.0/2.16/5.0
PCTFE 265 12.5
PE 125 0.325/2.16
190 0.325/2.16/10/2.16
310 12.5
PC 300 1.2
PP 230 2.16
PS or HIPS 190 5.0
200 5.0
230 1.2/3.8
Polyterepthalate 210 2.16
250 2.16
285 2.16
PPS 315 5.0
Calculations: Then start the stopwatch and start cutting off the extrudate depending
upon the flow for example, 30 Sec., 1 min, 3 min, or 6 min intervals and tabulate the
weight of the extrudate.
Flow rate = (m/t) x 600
Where m = mass extruded, t = time of piston travel for length L. (sec), 600 =
conversion factor to convert in sec.
Factors Influencing:
 Preheat Time: If the cylinder is not preheated for a specified length of time, there is
usually some non-uniformity in temperature along the walls of the cylinder even
though the temperature indicated on the thermometer is close to the set point. This
causes the flow rate to vary considerably.
 Moisture. Moisture in the material causes bubbles to appear in the extrudate. The
weight of the extrudate is significantly influenced by the presence of the moisture
bubbles.
 Packing. The sample resin in the cylinder must be packed properly by pushing the
rod with substantial force to allow the air entrapped between the resins pellets to
escape. Once the piston is lowered, the cylinder is sealed of air can escape. This
causes variation in the test results.
 Volume of Sample: Change in sample volume causes the heat transfer from the
cylinder to the material.

1.2 CAPILLARY RHEOMETER (VISCOMETER) TEST

Definition: This test method describes measurement of the rheological properties of
polymeric material at various temperature and shear rate common to processing
equipment. It covers measurement of melt viscosity; sensitivity and stability of melt
viscosity with respect to temperature and polymer dwell time in rheometer. The flow
rates are measured at a single shear stress and a shear rate performed at one set of
temperature and geometric conditions.
Significance
 The capillary rheometer measures apparent viscosities or melt index over an entire
range of shear stresses and shear rates encountered in compression molding,
calendaring, extrusion, injection molding and other polymer melt processing
operation.
 The method is sensitive to polymer molecular weight and molecular weight
distribution, polymer stability (both thermal and rheological), shear instability and
additive such as plasticizer, lubricants, moisture reinforcement or inert filler.
 Rheological data generated can be very useful in optimizing processing: conditions
and improving product quality. Material, output and problems related to processing
like die swell, melt fracture etc. can also be studied.

Test Method: ASTM D 3835

Test specimen: The specimen may be in any form such as powder, beds, pellets,
strips or film.
Conditioning: The test specimen should be conditioned at 232°C and 505% relative
humidity for 48 hrs prior to the test.
 Table: Recommended Test Temperature for different thermoplastics as a Case
Study
Typical Test
Material
Temperature °C
Acetal 190
Acrylics 230
Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene 200
Cellulose esters 190
Nylon 235 – 275
Polychlorotrifluoroethylene 265
Polyethylene 190
Polycarbonate 300
Polypropylene 230
Polystyrene 190 – 230
Poly (vinyl chloride) 170 – 205
Poly (butylenes terephthalate) 250
Thermoplastic elastomers
150 – 210
(Unsaturated)
Thermoplastic elastomers
150 – 210
(Saturated)

Test Apparatus:
The capillary rheometer consists of an electrically heated cylinder, a pressure ram,
temperature controller, timer and interchangeable capillaries. The plunger can be
moved at a constant velocity that translates to a constant shear rate. The forces to
move the plunger at this speed is recorded which determines the shear stress.
Alternately, a weight or constant pressure can be applied to the plunger which
generates a constant shear stress and the velocity of the plunger is determined by
cutting and weighing the output. Shear rate can be calculated by knowing the melt
densities.
Test Procedures:
 Select test temperature, shear rates and shear stress in accordance with material
specification
 Recommended test temperatures of different thermoplastics are given in table.
 Replace the die and piston in the barrel and allow the assembled apparatus to reach
thermal equilibrium.
 The sample material is placed in the barrel of the extrusion assembly, brought to
temperature and forced out through a capillary. The charging of materials should be
done within 2 min.
 Place the piston movement until the full melt time reached. Reactivate the piston to
start extrusion. After reached steady state operation, record the force and record the
data by:
 Run a constant rate test (or a constant shear stress test)
 Run a multiple rate of multiple stress level test
Calculations: Shear stress, shear rate and apparent melt viscosities are calculated as
follows:
Fr
 ( Pa) 
2 R 2l
Where,  = shear stress (psi); F = Load on the ram (lbs); r = radius of capillary orifice
(in); R= radius of the barrel (in); l = length of capillary oriface (in).
4Q
 ( s 1 )  3
r
Where,  = shear rate (sec ); Q = flow rate (in3/sec.)
-1

Shear stress
Apparent melt viscosity (poise)  ( Pa.s 1 ) 
Shear rate
Factors Influencing:

Capillary Calibration: The apparent viscosity varies with the fourth power of r, it is
desirable to know this value within 0.00762 mm.
Piston friction: The frictional force is negligible compared to the pressure drop through
the capillary. The frictional force should be subtracted from force reading.
Polymer back flow: The clearance between the plunger and the barrel may permit a
small amount of melt to flow along with the piston instead of flowing through the
capillary. Due to this the true shear rate needs to be lower than that calculated from the
piston velocity. Measuring the rate of capillary extruded and comparing this with the
actual piston displacement rate, taking into account the change in fluid density, enable
us to determine the shear rate.
Melt compressibility: As the hydrostatic pressure diminishes along with the capillary,
the fluid density decreases and the flow rate increases. This results in an increase in
shear rate.
Determining True Shear Stress: To obtain true shear stress, perform the following
procedure: using a minimum of two dies having same entrance angle and same
diameter (D) of different capillary length (L). At least one L/D ratio should be less than
16 and one should be more than 16. Obtain the true shear stress using the following
equation:
( P  Pc ) D ( F  Fc ) D
 
4L 4 LAB
Where,  = Ture shear stress
P = Melt pressure
Pc = the intercept between shear rate
D = dia meter
L = Die length
Ab = Cross section area
Fc = Bagley plot

1.3 Rotational Rheometer

Rotational viscometer consists of two basic parts separated by the fluid being tested.
The parts may be concentric cylinder (cup and bob), plats, a low angle cone and a
plate, or disk, paddle or rotor in a cylinder. Rotation of one part against the other
produces a shearing action on the fluid. The torque required to produce a given angular
velocities resulting from a given torque is a measure of the velocity. The rotating
component is driven at a fixed or programmed speed. Signals proportional to the speed
and torque are processed to calculate the floe characteristics of the test samples.
Rotational viscometers are more versatile than capillary viscometers. They can be used
with a wide range of materials since opacity, settling and non-Newtonian behavior do
not cause difficulties.
Cone and Plate Geometry
The principle of the cone and plate rheometer is, it consist of flat circular plate and a
liner concentric cone are rotated relative to each other as shown in Figure. The test
material is placed in the space between the plate and cone. The major advantage of
the instrument is constant shear rate application on the test fluid, requirement of small
sample size and hence less heat built up at high shear rates than with a concentric
cylinder apparatus. The disadvantage other than low shear rate range of the test is the
tendency for the development of secondary flows in the polymer, which affects the
accuracy of the measurement.

Cone and Plate Geometry

For Newtonian fluid, the basic equations for the cone and plate rheometer are:
3 M

2 R 3
dv 
  
dr 
3M

2 R 3
R = Radius distance of the sample in cone and plate
 = Angle in radian which cone makes with the flat plate
M = Torque required to rotate the cone relative to the plate of an angular frequency of


Parallel Plate Geometry

Parallel plate geometry consists of a stationary and a rotating flat circular plate wherein
a thin layer of the sample is placed between them for the test. The gap width can be
varied in this viscometer. This is an advantage when suspension or dispersion with
large particles or with a tendency to fly out the gap. However, the velocity, the shear
rate, varies with the distance from the center of the plate. This makes viscosity data
more difficult to evaluate.
Maximum shear rate at plate rim is given by  m   R
h
Where, R is the radius of the plate and h the distance between the two plats. The velocity
given by:
3M  
 1  3 d ln M 
2 R 3   d ln  

Co-axial Viscometer

It consists of two cylinders, one within the other (cup and bob) with the sample between
them (Figure 13). The first practical rotational viscometer consisted of a rotating cup
with an inner cylinder supported by torsion wire. The relationship between viscosity,
angular and torque for a Newtonian fluid in a concentric cylinder viscometer is given
below:
 M  1 1  kM
   2  2  
  4 h   Ri Ro  
Where, M is the torque on the inner cylinder, h is the length of the inner cylinder,  is
the relative angular velocity of the cylinder in radius per seconds R i the radius of the
inner cylinder wall, Ro the radius of the outer cylinder wall and k an instrument constant.
The shear rate can be given by
 2 / r 2   Ri 2 Ro 2  Where r is any given radius.
 
Ro
2
 Ri
2

The shear stress is given by:   M 2
2 r h
 Co-axial Viscometer

The viscosity of Newtonian liquid may be determined from the above equation or from
slope of a shear stress –shear rate plot. Non-Newtonian fluid gives intercepts and
curves with such plots.

Concentric Cylinder Viscometer

The test material (fluid state) is placed in the annular spaces between two cylinders.
The cylinder is rotated at a constant speed, while a transducer measures the torque
acting on it. The major advantage of concentric cylinder geometry is that a nearly
constant shear rate is maintained throughout the entire volume of fluid being tested.
This is important in the case of non-Newtonian fluid since viscosity may be strongly
dependent upon the rate of shear. The relationship of viscosity () to the ratio of ‘’ and
‘’ is shown below:
k
 Where K is the instrument constant.


1.4 BROOKFIELD VISCOMETER

Definition: The viscosity defined as the flow behaviour of plastisol under low shear.
This viscosity relates to the conditions encountered in pouring, casting, molding and
dipping process. The Brookfield instrument is a commercially used rotating spindle type
viscometer
Significance: The suitability of a dispersion resin for given application process is
dependent upon its viscosity characteristics. The test standard for viscosity
measurement of plastisols / organosols, epoxy resin and emulsion etc
Test Methods: ASTM D-2393, ASTM D 1824 and ISO 2555.
Test specimen: The specimen should be in liquid form.

Conditioning: Maintain the plastisol or organosol samples at 23  1°C and 50  5%

relative humidity at all time after mixing and throughout the period of viscosity
determination.

Procedure:
1) Select the spindle in middle or upper portion of viscometer dial at the highest
rotational speed to be used. Insert the spindle approximately at 45° angle. Move the
sample so as to center the spindle, adjust the depth to the immersion mark.
2) Start the viscometer at its lowest speed. Allow it to run 2 min. record the scale
reading during the next rotation.
3) Placing it in a constant temperature bath at the specified test temperature
preconditions the sample. The proper spindle size is allowed to rotate in the sample
for 30 sec. The instrument is stopped through the use of a clutch and the reading is
taken from the dial. The test is repeated until a constant reading is obtained.
4) Record the sample temperature at the conclusion of viscosity reading.

Calculation: Calculate the viscosity using the factors provided with the viscometer

1.5 TORQUE RHEOMETER

Definition: A torque rheometer measures flow properties of materials in a miniature
form of typical processing equipment. Unit: gm.cm
Significance:
The ability of PVC granules to accept a plasticizer and become a dry free flowing
powder is related to the internal pore structure of the resin, resin temperature,
plasticizer temperature and the plasticizer used. The absoption of plasticizer in PVC can
be detect using this method.
Test Method: ASTM: D2396-94
Test Specimen: The specimen should be in powder form and plasticizer will be liquid
form.
Conditioning: Maintain the PVC and plasticizer at 23  2°C and 50  5% relative
humidity for all time after mixing and throughout the period of determination.

Test Apparatus:

Sigma Mixture for Torque Rheometer

A torque rheometer is a device consisting of a drive, a torque (viscosity) measuring

system, a sensor, a temperature control unit and a data recorder. The sensors available
are batch mixers, single/twin-screw extrusion sensor with post-extrusion line and
continuous mixing, compounding and extrusion sensors with post extrusion systems.
The sigma Mixture is shown in Figure
Procedure:
1. A sample of material to be tested is placed in the mixing head where it is subjected
to shear by means of two rotating blades.
2. These methods determine the powder mixing characteristics of the polyvinyl
chloride. The test requires the use of a torque rheometer measuring head as shown
in fig. The mixture is heated either electrically or oil circulating heat transfer jacket. In
order to obtain consistency, a standard formulation is established as follows:

PVC resin : 225 g  0.1g

Filler : 15.75 g  0.1g
Basic Lead carbonate : 22.50 g  0.1g
DOP plasticizer : 117.00g  0.1g

3. Because of lot-to-lot variations in the quality of plasticizer, and basic lead carbonate,
it is recommended that the laboratory maintain a large enough inventory of these
additives to establish control standards. A standard powder-mix curve should also
be generated using standard additives and kept on file for comparison purposes.
Temperature : 88  1°C
Mixer Speed : 63  1 rpm
Material Weight : 380g  10g

3. The sample material is also subjected to high temperatures. The dynamometer is

suspended freely between two bearing blocks.
4. The shear rate, measured by the angular velocity of the rotors, is set according to a
tachometer.
5. All ingredients except the plasticizer are weighed into the container and mix
thoroughly. The mixer is preheated and allowed to run at a specified speed for 30
min to obtain equilibrium conditions. All dry additives are added to the mixer and
allowed to mix for 5 min. next, the plasticizer is poured quickly into the mixer and
mixing is continued for 10 min. beyond the dry point.
6. The torque value increases abruptly at certain point, as the plasticizer is added and
a wet lumpy condition occurs in the mixing bowl. As the plasticizer gets absorbed
into the resin and additives the torque values are changing with time and the torque
values drop at certain point.
7. The torque rheometer serves dual purpose of providing constant torques drive for
the extruder screw and simultaneously recording the torque on the screw. The
instrument responds to the reaction torque encountered by rotating the extruder
screw. The instrument accommodates a number of interchangeable mixer and
extruder attachments.
8. The measuring head rotors encounter a resistance torque from the test material that
causes the dynamometer to rotate in the opposite direction.
9. The measuring head is either electrically or oil heated.

Thermosetting Materials
The ability of the material to flow is measured by filling a mold with the plastics materials
under a specified condition of applied temperature and pressure with a controlled
charge mass. The flow tests are used as a quality control test and as an acceptance
criterion for incoming raw materials.
Factor Affecting Flow:

1) Resin Type: All resins flow differently because of basic differences in the structure of
the polymer e.g. melamine formaldehyde exhibit longer flow than urea
formaldehyde.
2) Type of filler: The small particle size filler e.g. wood floor, mica, and minerals creates
less turbulence and less frictional drag during mold filling. The size of the glass fibre
and long fiber can adversely affect the flow.
3) Storage Time: All resins have a natural tendency to polymerize in storage, causing
partial precure, which reduces flow.

1.6 CUP FLOW METHOD

Definition: The measurement of the molding index of thermosetting plastics ranging in
flow from soft to stiff by selection of appropriate molding pressure within the range from
4.1 to 31.9 MPa. Unit: Sec.
Significance: This test is specifically designed for thermosetting molding compounds.
This test is primarily useful for determining the minimum pressure required molding a
standard cup and the time required to close the mold fully. The material is molded using
a mould of specified cup-shaped cavity dimensions. The method provides the guide for
evaluating the mouldability of thermosetting powders.
Test Methods: ASTM D 731
Test Specimen: The test specimen should have Izod Impact strength of 27J/m; cup
should have flash thickness of 0.15 to 0.20 mm. The adhering fin shall be removed and
the cup weighted to the nearest 0.1 g. This weight multiply by 1.1 shall be weight of test
specimen.
Conditioning: Material tested as received. The reference material shall be stored in
sealed moisture barrier container for period of 48 Hrs.
Procedure:
1. The rate of flow is sensitive to the condition of the mold surface. First two reading
has to be discarded and after two successive reading the mold flow can be
accepted. The preferred mold temperature for different material is given below

Phenolics: 165  1 °C
Melamine: 155  1 °C
Urea: 150  1 °C
Epoxy: 150  1 °C
Diallyl phthalates: 150  1 °C
Alkyd: 150  1 °C
2. Take the weight and begin the test with proper load to close the mold to the fin
thickness specified for the type of material. The load can be applied to the mold
is as given below:
Total Load Molding Pressure (MPa)
1112 4.6
 1601 6.6
1124 9.0
1686 13.6
2248 18.0
3372 21.2
4496 36.3
11120 45.4

If a 2248 N load applied to make initial cup and required fin thickness is obtained, the
next lower load 1686N is applied as indicated above. If the mold close to the required
thickness again then next 1124 N load applied. If the mold then does not close, the
‘molding index’ is close to 1686 N load.

3. The time of flow in seconds shell be measured from that the hydraulic gage
indicates an applied load of 454 kg to the instant that the fin has reached 0.20 mm I
thickness for material with an izod impact strength of 27 J/m of notch.

1.7 SPIRAL FLOW Method

Definition: The spiral flow of a thermosetting molding compound is a measure of the
combined characteristics of fusion under pressure, melt viscosity and gelation rate
under specific condition. Unit: cm
Significance: This is a high shear-rate test for thermoplastics and is widely accepted
in the molding industry and quality control test. The test is performed on an injection-
molding machine under specified condition and using a spiral-flow mould.
Test Method: ASTM D 3123-98
Test Conditioning: All molding compounds shall be tested as received condition. The
reference material shall be stored in sealed moisture barrier container for period of 48
Hrs.
Test Apparatus: Transfer molding press with a minimum 150 by 150 mm platen area,
transfer piston pressure potentially greater than 6.9 MPa sufficient clamp pressure to
prevent flashing and minimum plunger speed of 25.4 mm without load. The mould cavity
consists of an Archimedean spiral, which is fed from center. The spiral has a
semicircular cross-section. The molten material is forced into the cavity, where it flows
until the material sets or cools. The test is not a direct rheological test as hot material
flows into a cooler mould. After cooling and ejection, the spiral is measured; either
weigh or length is recorded. The result is expressed as certain length/weight under
specified molding conditions.

Procedure:
1) Heat the mold and transfer the plunger 1503°C.
2) The plunger preferably is equipped with sealing grooves. These must be cleaned
freee of compounds before checking and before each molding
3) Using a force gage adjust the transfer pressure to 6.99 MPa.
4) Weight out the compound to the nearest 0.1 g as previous determined to yield a 3 to
3.5 mm-molded cull.
5) Place the compound in the transfer pot activate the transfer cycle immediate. Cure
the compound as recommended for easy removal.
6) Open mold and remove the cured material. Read the spiral floe length directly from
molded specimen at the point of farthest continuously flow to nearest 0.25 in.