Viscometers for Latex Compounds

Manufacturer: Under what circumstances do we use Brookfield Viscomter and Ford Cup for measuring the viscosities of our latex compounds?

John Woon (Senior Latex Consultant): Generally the rotational viscometers such as Brookfield Viscometer is used to determine the apparent viscosity of non-Newtonian fluid that has shear thinning and thixotropic properties (See ASTM D 2196).

On the other hand, if your latex compound is Newtonian or near-Newtonian especially when it is considerably diluted with water, you could use Ford Cup which is simpler (See ASTM D 1200).

For both methods, temperature of the sample during test must be recorded as this could affect the viscosity.