Correlating Mechanical and Chemical Properties: Introduction to Rheo-Raman for Polymers
Polymers are complex materials, and understanding their performance requires more than just mechanical testing. Rheology provides valuable information on viscosity, elasticity, and flow, but it cannot fully explain the chemical and structural changes that occur during processing. By integrating rheology with Raman spectroscopy, researchers and engineers can correlate mechanical behavior with molecular-level insights in real time.
This combined Rheo-Raman approach opens up new possibilities for understanding polymerization, crystallization, and thermal stability, supporting better formulation, troubleshooting, and quality control across the polymer industry.
Key Learning Topics:
- How Rheo-Raman correlates mechanical properties with chemical structure to deliver deeper insights into polymer behavior
- How to monitor polymerization reactions and chemical transformations in real time
- How to study crystallization pathways and their impact on material performance
- How to assess thermal stability and degradation during processing or use
- How Rheo-Raman supports faster material development, improved quality control, and problem-solving in industrial and research settings
Presenter: James P. Eickhoff Jr.
James Eickhoff is the principal application engineer for the rheology division as a member of the Advanced Technical Support Center at Anton Paar USA. He has over 20 years of theoretical and experimental rheology training, including the last 17 years with Anton Paar having guided current and prospective customers on the use of rheological techniques in their industrial and academic research. James earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from Michigan Technological University and Clemson University, respectively.
