Microscopy is an important tool that allows the visualization of the microstructure of the material. In the area of rheology, microscopy aims to correlate the morphology of the material with its macroscopic mechanical response (rheology). Materials can be liquids, such as suspensions or emulsions, or soft solids (e.g. gels). Understanding this relationship can result in important information for the study and development of new materials.

GReo uses optical microscopy in the study of emulsions/suspensions in order to assess the influence of droplet/particle size and distribution on rheology. In this way, it is possible, for example, to control the rheology from the definition of these parameters. In addition, we use scanning electron microscopy combined with a cryogenic system for the preparation of fluid samples, which allows an analysis of the microstructure of nanofluids. Likewise, the objective is to correlate this microstructure with the rheological parameters of the nanofluid. Microscopes coupled to rheometers are also used to study the relationship between rheology and the state of the microstructure in dynamic processes.

Infrastructure: Scanning Electron Microscope with cryogenic system for preparation of fluid samples; Nikon Eclipse LV100 Polarized Optical Microscope with Shear Module; Microscopes coupled to rheometers.