Viscographs

Viscographs are analytical instruments used to measure viscosity as a function of temperature and time. In particular, they capture changes in flow and structural viscosity during thermal or mechanical stress. The measured viscosity curve is presented as a viscogram.

In starch processing, viscographs are used to determine pasting properties. When heating a starch suspension, they indicate the onset of pasting, the rise in viscosity, the maximum, as well as structural breakdown under further temperature or shear loading. These parameters are crucial for product quality and subsequent processing.

Cellulose derivatives and other thickeners from the fields of chemistry, construction chemicals, and the food industry are also characterized using such measurement systems. They provide information on hydration behavior, gel formation, temperature stability, and shear sensitivity. In lubricants and suspensions containing metal powder, they support the assessment of flow properties and structural build-up.

The term "Viscograph" is a protected product name and trademark for viscometers from the manufacturer Brabender, which can now also be found in the portfolio of Anton Paar. In common usage, the term is often used as a generic designation for viscometric measurement methods. From a technical standpoint, however, it is correct to distinguish between the "Viscograph" brand and general viscometers.