A method for rheological measurements of air sensitive samples

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Physical Chemistry

Background:

• Rheology experiments on air or moisture-sensitive materials typically require complex and cumbersome rheometer-in-glovebox setups.
• These setups can be expensive and limit experimental flexibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simplified and accessible method for conducting rheology experiments on air- and moisture-sensitive samples.
• To demonstrate the effectiveness of a novel cover gas system for rheological measurements.

Main Methods:

• Utilized sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), a heavier-than-air cover gas, in conjunction with a specially designed cover gas container.
• The container attaches to the lower geometry plate of standard rheometers, creating a controlled environment.
• Performed rheological measurements on air-reactive ionic liquid (trimethylsulfonium bromide-AlCl3), moisture-sensitive titanium(IV) propoxide, and glycerin.

Main Results:

• Successfully conducted rheology experiments on sensitive liquids and soft solids using the SF6 cover gas method.
• Acquired accurate temperature-dependent viscosity data for all tested samples.
• Demonstrated the absence of reaction products, confirming the integrity of the samples during measurement.

Conclusions:

• The sulfur hexafluoride cover gas method provides an effective and simplified alternative to glovebox setups for rheological studies.
• This technique enables reliable characterization of air- and moisture-sensitive materials, crucial for various applications in materials science and chemistry.