Solution Viscosity Polymer Testing The PSL Rheotek Polymer Testing Laboratory (based in the United Kingdom) is equipped with RPV-1 and RPV-2 viscometers for testing the solution viscosity of a wide range of polymers. The laboratory is set up to test PA, PET, PVC, PAN, PP, PE (including UHMW), pulp, cellulose and bio-polymers. In addition, the laboratory can also determine the kinematic or dynamic viscosity of a wide range of liquids. Samples will be tested in full compliance with ISO, ASTM or customer specified methods. The laboratory can also undertake one off or longer-term studies to assist with the polymer process control, optimising solution viscosity results and/or studying the degradation of specific types of samples. In particular, the laboratory provides studies for re-cycled polymers, for example PET for pre-forms and bottles.
Test Report For each sample preparation, the test report will include the following information: ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢
Sample ID and description Details of the viscometer configuration used for testing Concentration (including exact sample and solvent weight) Dissolution conditions (temperature and time) Average solvent flow time and interim flow times with precision obtained Average solution flow time and interim flow times with precision obtained Glass capillary viscometer* (type, size, serial number & constant) Testing temperature (including verification of temperature by certified reference thermometer*) Other specified test parameters
Calculated results, including: ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢
Relative viscosity, Reduced viscosity, K-value Inherent viscosity (Logarithmic Viscosity Number) Intrinsic viscosity Average Molecular Weight
* calibrated in accordance with ISO 17025
Technical consultation For each set of results submitted, PSL Rheotek will provide one-hour email or telecom technical support to discuss methodology and/or results reported. PSL Rheotek Polymer Testing Laboratory – Poulten Selfe & Lee Ltd (UK) and PSL Rheotek USA, Inc
How to submit your samples: Please send your samples to:
PSL Rheotek USA – 12692 Sandy Drive, Suite 115, Granger, IN 46530, USA PSL Polymer Testing Laboratory – Russell House, Burnham Business Park, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex. CM0 8TE. UK Approximately 5g of each sample (or larger amount as it will be more representative of the variability should be sent together with the following information: Sample % of inert insoluble material greater thanby 0.5%, The PSL ID, Polymer Testing laboratory will ifreport results pdf via email. approximate dissolution temperature and time as well as any custom requirements.
The PSL Polymer Testing Laboratory can provide analysis of the following types of polymers: T-DSV-PET-1: ASTM D4603 T-DSV-PET-2: ISO 1628 Part 5 – ASTM D2857 T-DSV-PA-1: ASTM D789 T-DSV-PA-2: ISO 307 T-DSV-PVC-1: ASTM D1243 – ISO 1628 T-DSV-PVC-2: ISO 1628 Part 2 T-DSV-PULP: Tappi T230 T-ISO5351: Pulp, cellulose ISO 5351 T-DSV-PP/PE-1 – ISO1628 Part 3 Any other type of polymer that can be dissolved in organic or inorganic liquids The following solution viscosity apparatus is used by the laboratory: RPV-2 AutoPET, AutoPA and AutoPVC RPV-2 with iSP-1 RPV-1 Gen. 2 AutoPulpIVA (intrinsic viscosity of cellulose) RPV-1 Pulp Gen. 2 with iSP-2 (viscosity of cellulose) RPV-1 HT Gen. 2 (high temperature PP and PE)
PSL Rheotek Polymer Testing Laboratory – Poulten Selfe & Lee Ltd (UK) and PSL Rheotek USA, Inc