If rheological tests do not provide all the required information, macroscopic material functions often deliver useful additional knowledge. Therefore, optical methods can be combined with rheometry. Common optical methods are microscopy, small angle light scattering (SALS), polarized imaging, and particle imaging velocimetry (PIV). All these methods can be applied simultaneously to the rheological measurements. The main components of the optical accessories that Anton Paar offers for their rheometers, are modular and interchangeable between different optical accessories. Thus, e.g., the Peltier heated plate of the rheo microscope can be used for SALS as well.
Watch this 15-minute course to find out more about the various optical methods in rheology.