Malvern acquires rheology measurement products
Malvern Instruments has acquired Bohlin Instruments, a major developer and manufacturer of rheology systems. Rheology, the measurement of the flow and deformation of materials, is a complementary application to those served by Malvern. The rheological properties of materials have a fundamental impact on their performance and the processes used to manufacture them. Applications range from determining molecular weight and structural studies to investigating properties that affect the mechanical strength of composites, flow characteristics for injection moulding and extrusion performance. There are also a number of applications in paints, coatings, inks, foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Many of the characteristics of these products, from stability to performance, depend on their rheological properties, which, in turn are affected by particle size, shape and zeta potential, characteristics which Malvern provides instrumentation for measuring. Commenting on the acquisition, Paul Walker, managing director of Malvern Instruments, said "Bohlin Instruments has established a very successful business with its excellent technology and a well-proven product range. We look forward to expanding and developing Bohlin's position in the rheology market worldwide".