Quantitative rheo-microscopy of soft matter

• DOI: 10.3389/fphy.2022.1013805
• Publication Date: 2022-10-10T05:14:35Z
• Authors: Stefano Villa; Paolo Edera; Matteo Brizioli; Veronique Trappe; Fabio Giavazzi; Roberto Cerbino
• Keywords: Soft matter

Direct observation of the microscopic material structure and dynamics during rheological shear tests is goal rheo-microscopy experiments. Microscopically, they shed light on many mechanisms processes that determine mechanical properties at macroscopic scale. Moreover, permit for determination actual deformation field, which particularly relevant to assess banding or wall slip. While sample probing achieved by a variety custom commercial instruments, possibility performing quantitative rheology not commonly available. Here, we describe flexible setup built around parallel-sliding-plate, stress-controlled cell, optimized be mounted horizontally microscope. Mechanically, soft materials with moduli ranging from few tens Pa up kPa can subjected waveforms, standard step stress oscillatory more peculiar signals, such as triangular waves any other signal interest. Optically, cell designed compatible different imaging methods ( e.g. bright field confocal microscopy). Most components are commercially available, those reproduced machine shop, easing implementation in interested laboratories.