BS EN ISO 1628-2:2020: A Comprehensive Guide to Viscosity Determination of Poly(vinyl chloride) Resins

In the ever-evolving world of plastics, understanding the properties of materials is crucial for innovation and quality assurance. The BS EN ISO 1628-2:2020 standard is an essential resource for professionals in the plastics industry, providing a detailed methodology for determining the viscosity of polymers in dilute solutions using capillary viscometers, specifically focusing on Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) resins.

Why Viscosity Matters

Viscosity is a fundamental property that affects the processing and performance of polymer materials. It is a measure of a fluid's resistance to flow, and in the context of polymers, it provides insights into molecular weight and structural characteristics. For manufacturers and researchers, accurate viscosity measurements are vital for ensuring product consistency, optimizing processing conditions, and developing new materials with desired properties.

About the Standard

The BS EN ISO 1628-2:2020 standard is a part of a series dedicated to the determination of polymer viscosity. This specific document focuses on PVC resins, a widely used material in various applications due to its versatility and cost-effectiveness. Released on July 21, 2020, this standard provides a comprehensive procedure for conducting viscosity measurements using capillary viscometers.

Key Features

• Standard Number: BS EN ISO 1628-2:2020
• Pages: 22
• ISBN: 978 0 539 12700 3
• Status: Standard

Understanding the Methodology

The standard outlines a precise methodology for determining the viscosity of PVC resins in dilute solutions. This involves the use of capillary viscometers, which are instruments designed to measure the flow of liquid through a narrow tube. The procedure is meticulously detailed to ensure accuracy and repeatability, making it an invaluable tool for laboratories and production facilities.

Step-by-Step Process

The process begins with the preparation of a dilute polymer solution, followed by the measurement of flow time through the capillary viscometer. The standard provides guidelines on the selection of solvents, concentration levels, and temperature control, all of which are critical factors influencing the viscosity measurement. By adhering to these guidelines, users can obtain reliable data that reflect the true characteristics of the PVC resin.

Applications and Benefits

The insights gained from viscosity measurements are applicable across a wide range of industries. For manufacturers, understanding the viscosity of PVC resins can lead to improved processing techniques, reduced material waste, and enhanced product performance. Researchers can leverage this data to develop new formulations and explore innovative applications for PVC materials.

Industries Benefiting from the Standard

• Construction: PVC is a popular choice for pipes, fittings, and profiles due to its durability and ease of installation.
• Automotive: Used in interior and exterior components, PVC offers a balance of flexibility and strength.
• Medical: PVC's biocompatibility makes it suitable for medical devices and packaging.
• Consumer Goods: From toys to household items, PVC's versatility is unmatched.

Why Choose BS EN ISO 1628-2:2020?

Adopting the BS EN ISO 1628-2:2020 standard ensures that your viscosity measurements are conducted with precision and consistency. This not only enhances the quality of your products but also aligns your processes with international best practices. By integrating this standard into your operations, you demonstrate a commitment to excellence and innovation in the field of plastics.

Conclusion

The BS EN ISO 1628-2:2020 standard is more than just a document; it is a gateway to understanding and optimizing the properties of PVC resins. Whether you are a manufacturer, researcher, or quality assurance professional, this standard provides the tools and knowledge needed to excel in the competitive world of plastics. Embrace the power of accurate viscosity measurement and unlock new possibilities for your products and processes.

BS EN ISO 1628-2:2020

This standard BS EN ISO 1628-2:2020 Plastics. Determination of the viscosity of polymers in dilute solution using capillary viscometers is classified in these ICS categories:

• 83.080.20 Thermoplastic materials

1.1

This document specifies conditions for the determination of the reduced viscosity (also known as viscosity number) and K-value of PVC resins. It is applicable to resins in powder form which consist of homopolymers of the monomer vinyl chloride and copolymers, terpolymers, etc., of vinyl chloride with one or more other monomers, but where vinyl chloride is the main constituent. The resins may contain small amounts of unpolymerized substances (e.g. emulsifying or suspending agents, catalyst residues, etc.) and other substances added during the course of the polymerization. This document is not applicable, however, to resins having a volatile-matter content in excess of 0,5 % ± 0,1 %, when determined in accordance with ISO 1269. In addition to this, it is not applicable to resins which are not entirely soluble in cyclohexanone.

1.2

The reduced viscosity and K-value of a particular resin are related to its molecular mass, but the relationship varies depending on the concentration and type(s) of other monomer(s) present. Hence, homopolymers and copolymers having the same reduced viscosity or K-value might not have the same molecular mass.

1.3

The values determined for reduced viscosity and K-value, for a particular sample of PVC resin, are influenced differently by the concentration of the solution chosen for the determination. Hence the use of the procedures described in this document only gives values for reduced viscosity and K-value that are comparable when the concentrations of the solutions used are identical.

1.4

Limiting viscosity number is not used for PVC resins.

1.5

The experimental procedures described in this document can also be used to characterize the polymeric fraction obtained during the chemical analysis of a PVC composition. However, the values calculated for the reduced viscosity and K-value in these circumstances might not indicate the actual values for the resin used to produce the composition because of the impure nature of the recovered polymer fraction.

1.1

This document specifies conditions for the determination of the reduced viscosity (also known as viscosity number) and K-value of PVC resins. It is applicable to resins in powder form which consist of homopolymers of the monomer vinyl chloride and copolymers, terpolymers, etc., of vinyl chloride with one or more other monomers, but where vinyl chloride is the main constituent. The resins may contain small amounts of unpolymerized substances (e.g. emulsifying or suspending agents, catalyst residues, etc.) and other substances added during the course of the polymerization. This document is not applicable, however, to resins having a volatile-matter content in excess of 0,5 % ± 0,1 %, when determined in accordance with ISO 1269. In addition to this, it is not applicable to resins which are not entirely soluble in cyclohexanone.

1.2

The reduced viscosity and K-value of a particular resin are related to its molecular mass, but the relationship varies depending on the concentration and type(s) of other monomer(s) present. Hence, homopolymers and copolymers having the same reduced viscosity or K-value might not have the same molecular mass.

1.3

The values determined for reduced viscosity and K-value, for a particular sample of PVC resin, are influenced differently by the concentration of the solution chosen for the determination. Hence the use of the procedures described in this document only gives values for reduced viscosity and K-value that are comparable when the concentrations of the solutions used are identical.

1.4

Limiting viscosity number is not used for PVC resins.

1.5

The experimental procedures described in this document can also be used to characterize the polymeric fraction obtained during the chemical analysis of a PVC composition. However, the values calculated for the reduced viscosity and K-value in these circumstances might not indicate the actual values for the resin used to produce the composition because of the impure nature of the recovered polymer fraction.