Abstract: An apparatus for measuring viscoelastic properties of rubbery materials is disclosed. The instrument comprises two opposed dies having temperature and pressure controling means, means for initiating oscillatory rotation of one of the dies whereby the sample is cooled during its residence between the dies and reheated whereby torque measurements are carried out during the period of cooling. A method for operating the claimed apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an instrument and method for measuring the viscoelastic properties of rubber and like materials comprising two opposed dies, each die having a die housing, the dies and housings being moveable between an open position and a closed position, and wherein: a) each die is separated from its housing by a substantially uniform circumferential gap such that the die is rotatable relative to its housing, and one die is rotatable relative to the other, b) in the closed position, the two dies define between them a cavity for holding under pressure a sample of material to be tested, c) the design of the dies and housings is such that during movement from the open position to the closed position, a sample of test material located between the dies is compressed so that excess material is extruded radially from between the dies, across the gap between each die and its housing and through a narrowing space separating the housings until the two housings reach their closed position, in which position t