Malvern Present Complementary Rheology Methods At International Congress

Malvern Instruments is to present complementary methods for optimizing rheological materials characterization at the International Congress on Rheology, 5-10 August, Lisbon, Portugal. A talk by Dr. John Duffy, Rheology Technical Specialist, will introduce the use of microrheology measurements using the Zetasizer Nano dynamic light scattering (DLS) system, to evaluate both the solution viscosity of high concentration protein solutions, and to assess the thermal denaturation and subsequent aggregation through the evolution of sample viscoelasticity. This will be supported by three posters, and an exhibition stand where visitors can investigate Malvern’s Kinexus rheometer and the Zetasizer Nano. Malvern are also sponsoring the gala dinner for all Congress delegates.

“Occurring only every four years, the International Congress on Rheology is a highlight in our 2012 calendar,” said John Duffy. “It is a privilege for Malvern to be involved as a major sponsor by supporting the gala dinner, and we fully expect ICR 2012 in Lisbon to live up to the success of previous events. I also look forward to presenting as part of the conference program. The DLS microrheology measurements I shall be illustrating are highly complementary to the more traditional bulk rheometry techniques that Malvern offer. DLS microrheology expands the rheological measurement range available for a variety of complex fluids, for which mechanical rheometry is challenging or indeed, has inherent limitations. In particular, it can open up new research possibilities for the characterization of protein and polymer solutions.”

Dr Duffy’s talk is entitled, ‘DLS based Optical Microrheology of Complex Fluids’. An associated poster will review ‘Optimized methodology for DLS Microrheology’ which highlights the importance of zeta potential and tracer particle size measurements to enable robust microrheology data. Other Malvern experts will present posters on the subject of renewable polymers - ‘Using rheology to assess the biodegradability and compostability of poylactic acid (PLA)’, and also in conjuction with Dr. Sara Reynaud from Rutgers University -  ‘A rheo-micromechanical approach for assessment of structure-properties-performance relationships in ceramic and polymeric extrudates’ – which highlights the advanced vertical test capabilities of the Kinexus rheometer.

The XVIth International Congress on Rheology brings together the world’s leading rheologists to present the latest advances and developments. In 2012 the Congress will have eighteen symposia covering all the aspects of rheology and will be held in the Belém Cultural Center, a modern Conference and Arts Center on Lisbon’s riverfront.

About Malvern Instruments
Malvern Instruments is a market leader in measuring performance controlling material properties. These include particle size, particle shape, zeta potential, molecular weight, size and conformation, rheological properties and chemical identification. Malvern delivers the systems, support and expertise that ensure the analytical integrity and productivity needed to drive research, development and manufacturing.

Malvern’s measurement solutions for scientists, technologists and engineers advance continually through customer collaboration. Complementary materials characterization systems deliver inter-related measurements that reflect the complexities of particulates and disperse systems, nanomaterials and macromolecules. Combining intelligently implemented technologies with in-depth industry applications knowledge and support, Malvern provides customers with the competitive advantage they demand.

Headquartered in Malvern, UK, Malvern Instruments has subsidiary organizations in all major European markets, North America, China, Japan and Korea, a joint venture in India, a global distributor network and applications laboratories around the world. For more information, visit www.malvern.com.

SOURCE: Malvern Instruments