disperGRADER+™

Reflective Light Microscope

For the accurate measurement

of filler dispersion
• Quantitative dispersion rating
• Rapid
• Simple to use
• Fully automated results analysis and display
– Digital image processing

• Accurate measurement of uncured samples

• Accurate measurement of Vulcanised samples
• Accurate measurement of all filler types
– Carbon Black
– Silica
– Natural materials

I N N OVAT I N G F O R E F F I C I E N C Y
Overview
Filler dispersion has critical effect on final product properties
The determination of filler dispersion in technical rubber goods and tire
compounds is of great importance to the industry. Dispersion quality has
a direct impact on final product properties and is therefore widely used
as a quality control parameter.

The disperGRADER+™ is a state of the art instrument designed to measure

filler dispersion in rubber compounds. Many properties of the cured
compound are directly affected by filler dispersion including:

• Tensile strength
• Tear strength
• Fatigue resistance
• Abrasion resistance

An accurate tool to indicate processability

In a controlled environment, an indication of
dispersion can be derived from Mooney, rheology
or dynamic mechanical testing. However, in an
actual mixing environment, data from these tests
can also indicate mixing variations, polymer
variations, filler variations, cure system variations
and weight variations. The disperGRADER is the
only instrument that gives a direct measurement
of dispersion in a fast and simple test, without
requiring subjective assessment.

disperGRADER+ benefits
• Allows quick and easy testing of dispersion compared to
other optical techniques which often take hours to perform
(less than 2 minutes with sample preparation).
• Provides accurate, repeatable results in seconds for both
vulcanised and uncured rubber compounds that are
applicable to the process.
• Uses digital image processing to automatically determine
dispersion ratings, filler distribution and agglomerate size.
• Can be used for all filler types including Carbon Black,
Silica and natural inorganic materials.
• Routine use of the disperGRADER will assist in optimizing
mixing time.
Major features Sample Preparation
Importance of Dispersion

Dispersion is important because:

• Many failure properties are initiated by agglomerates.

• The larger the agglomerate, the faster the failure.

Therefore:
Improved
Dispersion
• Sample preparation simply involves cutting the sample to
generate a ‘fresh face’ for analysis
Reduces – A simple cutting tool is supplied to optimise sample
Agglomerate Size
preparation for cured samples.

• For uncured compounds the disperGRADER has an optional

sample preparation device that cuts a test surface under
Improved
Failure Properties tension. This overcomes the surface ‘smearing’ that occurs
when uncured compounds are simply cut. Surface smearing
typically prevents meaningful data being obtained.
“The performance, failure properties, and appearance of a tire
or rubber products are influenced significantly by the dispersion
of the filler in the rubber compound.”

Compound Processability is also influenced by filler dispersion.

Generally

• Increased dispersion lowers viscosity.

Simple cutting tool for disperGRADER sample cutter
• Increased dispersion decreases elasticity. cured samples for uncured compounds

Routine measurement of dispersion will provide information

about: Sample Analysis
• mixing efficiency Sensor
• material properties
• processing properties Reflected
Light
Light

• quality of the final product

30°
not easily obtained by other methods.

Widely used for quality control
Traditional methods of measuring filler dispersion are
subjective, time-consuming and have limited benefit for
fast quality control.
The disperGRADER uses digital image processing to
automatically measure the size and proportion of undispersed
agglomerates and provides quantitative results within seconds.
Specimen preparation is simple using the disperGRADER
preparation tools.
Specimen
By utilising the reflected light method of dispersion testing the
disperGRADER is able to quickly and accurately quantify filler
dispersion and agglomerate size.
• The sample surface is scanned
• ‘Flat areas’ are seen as black – no reflected light
• Agglomerates reflect light to the sensor and are seen
as grey to white
Raw Data
Dispersion rating Agglomerate Rating
Digital comparison to a known standard.
(AR)
1

NO. OF AGGLOMERATES
2
The sample data is automatically compared to the standard 3 AGGLOMERATE
dispersion scale of 1 to 10. The dispersion rating of the 4 RATING
5
sample is shown. 6
7
8
9
Rating 10 Rating 9 Rating 8 Rating 7 Rating 6 10

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 (AR)

AGGLOMERATE SIZE

The agglomerate rating also on a scale of 1 to 10 gives an

indication of the number and size of agglomerates.

The disperGRADER is ideal for measuring dispersion in silica

compounds, however due to the smaller particle sizes involved
Rating 5 Rating 4 Rating 3 Rating 2 Rating 1
the 100x magnification system is required.
Dispersion Ratings

Magnification Levels
GOOD DISPERSION
High DR

30 x MAGNIFICATION

10 μm 191 μm

100 x MAGNIFICATION

3 μm 57 μm

Low DR
POOR DISPERSION The disperGRADER is available with 2 different
magnification levels:

The disperGRADER displays the sample image and reference • 100x magnification: For analysis of fine particle size fillers
image on a split screen, allowing the user to immediately see the • 30x magnification: For analysis of larger particle size fillers
results as they are transferred to the computer for analysis.
Specifications and contract details Software

Electrical Requirements 80 - 250 VAC, 47 – 63 Hz, 2 Amps

(4 Amps for 100x with 30x scanner model)
Dimensions Height: 279.4 mm (11 inches)
Width:165.1 mm (6.5 inches)
Depth: 539.75 mm (21.25 inches)
Weight 10.21 kg (22.5 lbs)
Note: Weights and dimensions for 100x with 30x scanner
(model A101) are double those shown above.
Magnification A108 = 100x
A107 = 30x
A101 = 100x and 30x
System requirements IBM Compatible PC with Windows 2000 / Windows XP.
Computer and Monitor are supplied with the disperGRADER
Apeture Size 100x = 4 mm x 3.5 mm (0.16” x 0.14”) 20000
18000
30x = 9mm x 5 mm (0.35” x 0.20”) 16000 X-value Y-value
mix A 7.3 9.9
mix A

surface (μm)
14000 mix B 7.3 9.9
Image Processing / AnalysisDigital 12000
10000
Picture Size BMP format: 216,886 kB 8000
6000
Picture Format BMP = Device independent bitmap (DIB) 4000
mix B
2000

Test Specimen 100x = 4.5 x 4 mm (0.18” x 0.16”) (minimum size) 0

3 9 14 20 26 32 37 43 49 55
30x = 10 x 8 mm (0.39” x 0.31”) (minimum size) agglomerate diameter (μm)

Display / Record Data acquisition system processes, displays, and analyzes

digitized images from the disperGRADER for visual comparison
to customer - established reference scale, or for automatic • All disperGRADER+ operations are controlled
comparison to standard reference images and classification through the disperDATA software
according to installed methods / scales such as the
Phillips 10 – degree scale. Experimental Histogram Software • Test results are available in seconds
provides for the rating of number and size of agglomerates.
• Data and scanned image of tested samples
Other Complies with ISO 11345 (with 30x magnification)
are stored
Sample preparation cutter included.
Calibration sample included.
Variable exposure for color samples.
Auto Focus/Computer Controlled Focus.

Disclaimer of warranty and liability

The information provided herein is believed to be true and correct but no warranty is given to its completeness, accuracy
or fitness for use for any particular purpose. Dynisco shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising from the failure to
achieve particular result by the application of any route, method or process that is recommended herein.
 www.dynisco.com
www.alpha–technologies.com www.techpro-usa.com

Alpha Technologies Services LLC

A Dynisco Company
3030 Gilchrist Road
Akron, OH 44305-4420
USA
Phone +1 330 745 1641
Fax +1 330 848 7326
www www.dynisco.com

Alpha Technologies UK
A Dynisco Company
Unit 2B Crowood House
Gipsy Lane
Swindon, Wiltshire
SN2 8YY
United Kingdom
Phone +44 1 793 601100
Fax +44 1 793 615214

Alpha Technologies Japan

A Dynisco Company
3rd Floor, Ishizuka Building
2-9-7 Misaki-Cho, Chiyoda-Ku
Tokyo 101-0061
Japan
Phone +81 3 5275 7117
Fax +81 3 5275 7119