Characterization
Characterizing the cellulose building blocks and the materials you create from them
Physical and chemical characterization at both microscopic and molecular level is extremely important in order to understand what is happening and thus be able to improve both materials and processes.
Rheometer
Insights into material flow, structure, and processing behavior
RISE PFI offers rheological analyses that provide reliable, quantitative insight into material texture, flow, and structure, supporting better decision-making in both development and production. The analyses are performed using the MCR 702e — a state-of-the-art rheometer for precise and detailed characterization of material flow properties, structure, and mechanical response. The service is intended for both industry and research environments and delivers a solid data foundation for product development, process improvement, quality control, and failure analysis.
Analytical Capabilities
Using the MCR 702e, we can, among other things, analyze:
- viscosity and flow behavior
- elastic and viscous material properties (G′/G″)
- structure, strength, and stability of gels, pastes, and dispersions
- changes in material response under varying stresses
The instrument also enables simulation of relevant processing conditions such as pumping, mixing, and application of e.g. coatings. This helps closely link laboratory measurements to real operating and production conditions.
The rheometer can be used with various geometries, including plate–plate, cone–plate, and coaxial cylinder, and allows measurements at temperatures up to 200 °C.
Practical Value
Rheological analyses provide key insights for understanding and addressing challenges such as:
- batch-to-batch variations and quality deviations
- instability in product structure
- process-related production challenges
- formulation improvement and optimization
For industry, this means better process control and more predictable product quality. For research environments, the service provides access to well-documented, high-resolution measurements that support both fundamental material understanding and applied development work.
Application Areas
The service is relevant for a wide range of materials and industries, including:
- bio-based materials (fibers, cellulose, and composites)
- food and feed
- polymers and chemical formulations
- cosmetics, paints, and coatings
Execution and Deliverables
We offer both standardized analyses and tailored measurement programs adapted to the specific problem and material type. Results are delivered with expert interpretation and concrete recommendations, enabling direct use in further work.
Texture Analyser
The Texture Analyser TA.XT plusC is an analytical instrument used to measure the mechanical and physical properties of various materials, for example food products, cosmetics, foams and gels. It measures how hard, tough, soft, or sticky a material is. A “probe” – a type of plunger – is pressed against the sample and measures the force required to deform it, as a function of time. The results provide insight into the texture of the material.
The instrument can be adapted to different materials by using various probes and fixtures.
Dynamic Mechanical Analyser
The DMA 303 Eplexor tests how materials – such as composites, rubber, and fiber-based materials – respond to bending, stretching, or compression. It measures stiffness, softness, and damping capacity, and how these properties change with temperature and humidity.
The instrument can heat samples up to 800 °C and perform tests under varying humidity levels. It is commonly used to determine the glass transition temperature and to study how a material gradually deforms or loses tension when exposed to prolonged stress.
Zetasizer
The Zetasizer Ultra measures the size and charge of small particles in a liquid by analyzing how they scatter light. It provides insights into particle stability and whether they tend to aggregate. The instrument features precise temperature control and can automatically test how particles behave at different pH levels.
L&W Bursting Strength Tester
The ABB L&W Bursting Strength Tester Code 280 is a precise and user-friendly instrument designed to measure the bursting strength of paper using the Mullen method, the basis for ISO 2758. Featuring auto-start, auto-clamp, and an intuitive touch panel, it enables efficient sample handling in the laboratory. The tester is engineered for accurate quality control and provides both standard and diaphragm-compensated bursting strength measurements.
NORCELlab addresses the thematic priority areas “Nanotechnology and advanced materials”, “Bioeconomy”, “Food”, “Health” and “Petroleum” through the applications of the cellulosic building blocks.
NORCELlab is owned by RISE PFI
The laboratory will comprise three categories of infrastructure, all located in the same building (Høgskoleringen 6b, Trondheim): i) production and processing of micro- and nanocelluloses, ii) production of micro- / nanocellulose-based materials and structures and iii) characterization of micro- /
nanocelluloses and structures made thereof.
RISE PFI is part of RISE - Research Institutes of Sweden
Contact
- RISE PFI AS
- Høgskoleringen 6b
- NO - 7491 Trondheim
- firmapost@rise-pfi.no
- +47 73 60 50 65
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