Will this viscosity device replace Brookfield viscometers?

According to this story, researchers have developed a new viscometer that can take viscosity measurements by simply flowing liquid through it. They say that it can be made the size of a microchip and would completely eliminate the need for QC and QA groups to take samples for viscosity measurements.

In case you don’t know, one of the most important measurements in developing cosmetic and personal care products is viscosity. It is a measure of the way the product flows which is one of the characteristics that consumers most notice. We’ve previously written about fluid viscosity and what cosmetic chemists need to know.

So, the makers of this device claim that it will make the measurement of viscosity quicker and easier. Perhaps one day in the future there will be production sized tanks with these tiny viscosity monitors in them. Or even more beneficial for formulators is to have beakers with a viscosity chip incorporated into them. Interesting.

I’m not sure how much of an impact this will have on cosmetics however. It’s really not too difficult to take a viscosity meausurement and you’ll have to take samples out for pH and color evaluations.

QA of the future

But imagine if this device could be coupled with something that takes pH measurements, color evaluations, odor evaluations and even tests micro contamination. That could be pretty cool. I’m not sure it would lead to improved personal care formulations but it would still be neat.