Polymers are viscoelastic fluids that can be either elastic or viscous depending on how quickly they flow or deform.
The study of how stress in a material or force exerted is related to deformation and flow of the material is known as polymer rheology testing. Understanding the rheological properties of polymers through laboratory testing can aid in the optimization of goods and process conditions, resulting in cost reduction and waste reduction. Rheological property testing is carried out on a variety of polymers, including polyolefins, liquids, adhesives, gels, and pastes, utilising a variety of temperatures and deformation rates (both shear and extensional). Rheology tests for intrinsic viscosity and relative viscosity are carried out when the polymer is in the melt phase or after it has been dissolved in a solvent.