Methods to predict the rheological properties of composition comprising a
filler in a matrix are described. The present invention further involves determining
the difference between the work of cohesion and the work of ahhesion for a filler
and a matrix in order to quantitatively predict the rheological properties of the
system, such as yield point. The ability to predict such properties has numerous
advantages. The present invention further relates to a rheological master curve
and a method to produce the curve which permits one to predict a rheological property
of a composition comprising a filler in a matrix based on the particular polymer
used and the particular filler used. Also disclosed is a method of method of choosing
a filler to achieve a desired rheological property using the rheological master
curve described herein.