Rheological characterisation of a highly filled curing system using a disposable extrusion rheometer

The rheological properties of highly filled curing systems are difficult to characterise due to both their highly filled nature and that they are strongly time dependant. Such materials can exhibit complex flow behaviour that include slip and rapidly increasing viscosity with time. In particular, characterisation by extrusion can be practically problematic as the material will inevitably set inside the instrument. The development of a disposable extrusion rheometer suitable for characterising curing systems is reported. Results obtained using the device in both controlled rate and controlled stress measurement modes are presented, demonstrating the capability of the instrument and also the relevance of the controlled stress method for characterising curing systems. The use of a syringe as a disposable extrusion rheometer has been shown to be a valuable method that provides data that are both meaningful and easy to comprehend in relation to extrusion application methods.