Powder Rheology Accessories for HAAKE MARS Rheometers

Powder rheology introduction

Powders are ubiquitous in various industries, and powder flowability and other aspects of powder rheology can significantly impact manufacturing efficiency and product consistency. Therefore, powder materials are characterized during new product formulations to drive desirable characteristics of end products and to optimize processes such as mixing, granulation, and compaction.

 

Powder properties that influence the product or the processability include particle size, particle size distribution, surface properties, mechanical strength / cohesivity, porosity, electrostatic charge, hardness / friability, hygroscopicity, and density.

 

With such a broad array of possible influences, it is essential to measure powder rheology under different conditions.

2:51

Powder Rheology Accessories for Thermo Scientific HAAKE MARS Rheometer

The Thermo Scientific HAAKE MARS Rheometers with its flexible powder flow cell perform a variety of tests to measure powder flowability, compressibility, and shear properties under controlled conditions.

Powder rheology applications

Powder rheology allows investigators to measure the flow and shear properties of powders as well as properties such as density, compressibility, and permeability.  Modern rheometers can be equipped with powder flow testing accessories to expand the measuring range from liquids and semi-solids to powders. The Thermo Scientific HAAKE MARS Rheometers with their flexible powder flow cell and corresponding measuring geometries, can perform a variety of tests to measure powder flowability, compressibility, and shear properties under controlled conditions.

Battery manufacturing

Powder rheology is used to study the flow behavior of raw materials for electrodes, so that production processes like mixing, coating, and compaction can be optimized. By analyzing the rheological properties of powders, the uniformity, stability, and consistency in electrode layers are ensured, which directly impacts the performance, efficiency, and longevity of batteries.

stack of batteries

Food

Powder rheology measurements asses the flow and handling properties of powdered food ingredients like flour, sugar, and spices. This can reveal opportunities to enhance product quality and manufacturing efficiency in processes such as mixing, conveying, and packaging. A rheological characterization of powders ensures a uniform texture, taste, and nutrient content in final products and supports the optimization of flowability and compaction of powdered ingredients, which is crucial for accurate dosing and waste reduction.

Bowl of flour

Pharma

Powder rheology analysis provides insights into the flow and deformation properties of powdered pharmaceutical materials during process steps such as mixing, granulating, tablet pressing, and capsule filling. Proper analysis of powders helps ensure uniformity, consistency, and quality of the final product. Furthermore, rheological analysis during R&D supports pharmaceutical formulation design so that performance and stability requirements of pharmaceutical products are met.  

White pills

Additive manufacturing

Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) is a popular additive manufacturing technique. Its prevalence is rapidly expanding, and PBF is attracting significant interest across various industries. Powder rheology tests for material development during additive manufacturing evaluate the flowability, spreadability, and packing density of powders, helping to ensure a uniform layer distribution and the production of high-quality parts. PBF and rheological analysis may be used during additive manufacturing processes such as selective laser sintering or selective laser melting.

3D printed metal

Powder rheology setup

The HAAKE MARS Rheometer setups for powder rheology are always the right choice, whether you’re seeking basic measurements or a more sophisticated analysis.


Select the compact Thermo Scientific HAAKE MARS iQ Rheometer, available either as a robust ball-bearing version or a sensitive air-bearing version. For more advanced research applications, the Thermo Scientific HAAKE MARS 40/60 research rheometer platform is available.

 

For measurements beyond room temperature, a temperature chamber for the HAAKE MARS iQ Rheometers is available to perform measurements at higher temperatures, as required in applications like powder coatings.


For the highest safety requirements, Thermo Fisher Scientific offers the "Protect Assist" safety door for the HAAKE MARS iQ Rheometer series. With this function, measurement sequences are directly linked to the status of the door; measurement procedures are automatically interrupted when the door is open, ensuring maximum safety.

 

All HAAKE Rheometers come with the proven Thermo Scientific HAAKE RheoWin Rheometer Software. It offers intuitive handling, individual customization options, and free updates. The “Powder Rheology” software module provides the user with access to special measurement and evaluation routines. A library of predefined test protocols for powders—including sample loading, conditioning, testing, and evaluation with step-by-step instructions—completes the software module. Beginners can easily perform standardized measurements, while experts can create their own measurement routines.


The accessories are compiled into a ready-to-go toolkit shipped in a high-quality carrying case. It includes everything you need for compression, powder flow, and powder shear tests.

 

With these advanced features and options, you are well-equipped for precise and reliable powder testing. Make your choice and benefit from the quality and flexibility of the HAAKE MARS Rheometers.

Powder Rheology Workflow

Overview of measuring capabilities

Compression test

Pre-conditioned powder is subjected to incrementally increasing normal stresses. The decrease in sample volume is monitored as the powder is compressed, and the percentage compressibility is measured under specified normal stress.

Results: 

  • Compressibility







Relevance:

  • Compression
Compression test

Powder flow test

A twisted blade rotor is moved helically through the powder, measuring torque and force to report unconfined and confined total flowability energy.


 

Results: 

  • Stability Index
  • Basic flowability energy
  • Specific energy
  • Flow rate index




Relevance:

  • Storage and transportation behavior, processing
Powder flow test

Powder shear test

The powder is consolidated in a cup with a profiled base over an upper profiled plate and then slowly sheared under varying normal stresses until it yields. This process reports cohesion, yield strength, flow function, and additional properties.

Results: 

  • Yield locus
  • Cohesion
  • Major principal stress (MPS)
  • Unconfined yield stress (UYS)
  • Effective angle of internal friction (eAIF)
  • Flow function

Relevance: 

  • Storage in hoppers and silos
Powder shear test

Powder rheology accessory – advantages at a glance

Compatibility with all HAAKE MARS Rheometers

Seamless integration with your existing equipment is ensured, allowing for consistent and reliable measurements across different models.

 

Easy, tool-free installation

Simple and self-explanatory accessory installation turns the rheometer into a modular tool that can be adapted to a new measuring task within a minute.

 

Extensive pre-defined test procedure library

Software provides a wide range of standardized measuring and evaluation routines for reliable data in compliance with industry standards and enables the intuitive creation of individual routines.

 

SOP execution with user guidance

The execution of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) is facilitated with step-by-step instructions, ensuring accurate and consistent measurements at the push of a button.

 

Comprehensive application support

Benefit from expert support such as publications, webinars, and direct consultation with application specialists.

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.