Simple Determination of the Linear Viscoelastic Region of a Polymer Using a Rheometer

Materials such as polymers exhibit viscoelastic behavior which is directly related to molecular structure and formulation differences. To accurately evaluate the relationships between molecular structure and viscoelastic behavior requires that experiments, such as rheological measurements, be conducted in regions where the viscoelastic properties observed are independent of imposed stress or strain levels. That is, experiments must be conducted in the linear viscoelastic region.