PRAD Technologies specializes in finding solutions to rheological challenges encountered in various particulate/multiphase processes. Our services include both routine rheological testing of samples of materials as well as full-fledged R&D projects involving formulation development, product development and process development. 

Rheological Testing (bulk, surface/interfacial, extensional)

Rheological tests provide information such as viscosity, yield stress, time dependence, temperature dependence, stability, normal force, moduli, viscoelasticity, compliance, structure, gel point, and glass transition. Some examples of routine tests are flow curve, thixotropic loop, frequency sweep, temperature sweep, stress relaxation, and creep & recovery.  We adopt the appropriate standards where applicable. 

The data from rheological tests are used by our R&D partners in new material development, materials selection, performance prediction, and competitive evaluation and by the plant engineers in quality control for ‘finger printing’, consistency monitoring, vendor certification, and trouble shooting. 

R&D Projects

Formulation development—optimal design of formulations spanning a broad spectrum of products of the chemical process industry—inorganic, natural organic, and synthetic organic—including micro-structured and nano-structured materials. Examples:  adhesives/sealants, agrochemicals, ceramics, coatings, detergents, foods, personal care products, pharmaceuticals, pigments, polymers, recording media.

Product development—powders, granules, compacts, pastes, suspensions, emulsions, foams, solutions, aerosols; nanodispersions, nanofilms, nanofibers, nanocoatings, nanocomposites. Application areas include: biomaterials, ceramics, metals, polymers, composites; biotechnology, chemical technology, nanotechnology; aerospace, defense, energy, environmental protection, food, health/hygiene, process industry, and transportation. 

Process development—optimizing unit operations/processes; equipment selection and sizing; design/scale-up of process and equipment.   Examples of unit operations/processes where rheology has a significant role:  atomization, compaction/granulation, encapsulation, extrusion, fermentation, fiber-spinning, milling, mixing/homogenization, molding, oil-drilling, polymerization, separations, spray-drying,  surface modification, transfer operations-heat/mass/momentum, and countless others.          

Price & Value

Competitive pricing, dedicated service, good science, test plan development based on client’s unique needs, and comprehensive report with interpretation and discussion of the results in relation to client’s specific challenges. 

Turnaround time—negotiated based on the complexity and scope of the project and the client’s needs.  

Consulting/Training

On rheological solutions pertaining to the unit operations/processes of specific interest to the client.  Customized seminars/workshops onsite. 

Text Box: Services