ASTM D1243-22e1

Standard Test Method for Dilute Solution Viscosity of Vinyl Chloride Polymers

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Dilute solution viscosity values for vinyl chloride polymers are related to the average molecular size of that portion of the polymer that dissolves in the solvent.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the dilute solution viscosity of vinyl chloride polymers in cyclohexanone. The viscosity is expressed in terms of inherent viscosity (logarithmic viscosity number). The test method is limited to those materials that give clear, uniform solutions at the test dilution.  
Note 1: Other expressions for viscosity may be used as described in the Appendix, but any change from the test method as specified shall be stated in the report.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Note 2: This standard and ISO 1628-2 address the same subject matter, but differ in technical content.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Apr-2022
• ICS: 83.080.20 - Thermoplastic materials
• Technical Committee: D20 - Plastics
• Drafting Committee: D20.15 - Thermoplastic Materials

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D1243-22 - Standard Test Method for Dilute Solution Viscosity of Vinyl Chloride Polymers
• Effective Date: 01-May-2022
• Refers: ASTM D445-24 - Standard Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent and Opaque Liquids (and Calculation of Dynamic Viscosity)
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2024
• Refers: ASTM D883-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM D883-23 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D445-23 - Standard Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent and Opaque Liquids (and Calculation of Dynamic Viscosity)
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D883-22 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2022
• Refers: ASTM D445-21e2 - Standard Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent and Opaque Liquids (and Calculation of Dynamic Viscosity)
• Effective Date: 15-May-2021
• Refers: ASTM D1600-18 - Standard Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics (Withdrawn 2024)
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• Referred By: ASTM D4551-22 - Standard Specification for Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Flexible Concealed Water-Containment Membrane
• Effective Date: 01-May-2022
• Referred By: ASTM D5225-22 - Standard Test Method for Measuring Solution Viscosity of Polymers with a Differential Viscometer
• Effective Date: 01-May-2022
• Referred By: ASTM D2837-22 - Standard Test Method for Obtaining Hydrostatic Design Basis for Thermoplastic Pipe Materials or Pressure Design Basis for Thermoplastic Pipe Products
• Effective Date: 01-May-2022
• Referred By: ASTM F1760-16(2020) - Standard Specification for Coextruded Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Non-Pressure Plastic Pipe Having Reprocessed-Recycled Content
• Effective Date: 01-May-2022
• Referred By: ASTM D1755-21 - Standard Specification for Poly(Vinyl Chloride) Resins
• Effective Date: 01-May-2022
• Referred By: ASTM D3591-22 - Standard Test Method for Determining Logarithmic Viscosity Number of Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) in Formulated Compounds
• Effective Date: 01-May-2022
• Referred By: ASTM D7176-22 - Standard Specification for Non-Reinforced Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Geomembranes Used in Buried Applications
• Effective Date: 01-May-2022

Overview

ASTM D1243-22e1 is the internationally recognized Standard Test Method for Dilute Solution Viscosity of Vinyl Chloride Polymers, developed by ASTM International. This standard outlines procedures for determining the dilute solution viscosity of vinyl chloride polymers using cyclohexanone as the solvent. The viscosity is reported as inherent viscosity (logarithmic viscosity number), providing a reliable metric to evaluate polymer behavior in solution. By standardizing this test, ASTM D1243-22e1 ensures consistent, comparable data important for quality control, production, and research in the plastics industry.

Key Topics

• Dilute Solution Viscosity Measurement: The core of ASTM D1243-22e1 involves dissolving samples of vinyl chloride polymers in cyclohexanone and measuring the flow time in a viscometer at a controlled temperature. The viscosity is expressed as inherent viscosity.
• Significance and Use: The dilute solution viscosity value relates to the average molecular size of the polymer fraction that dissolves in the solvent, serving as an indicator of molecular properties that directly affect performance characteristics of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and related materials.
• Scope and Limitations: This method applies to vinyl chloride polymers that dissolve to form clear, uniform solutions. The procedure requires adherence to SI units and emphasizes the need for rigorous safety and environmental practices.
• Alternative Viscosity Expressions: The standard allows the use of other expressions for viscosity, such as relative, specific, reduced, and intrinsic viscosity, provided that any deviations from the prescribed method are clearly reported.
• Precision and Bias: The standard provides statistical data on within- and between-laboratory precision, ensuring reliable and repeatable results across different testing environments.

Applications

ASTM D1243-22e1 is widely used in:

• Quality Control: Manufacturers of vinyl chloride polymers and poly(vinyl chloride) resins use this test to monitor batch consistency and confirm that polymer molecular characteristics meet production specifications.
• Material Research and Development: Researchers apply dilute solution viscosity tests to evaluate the impact of different polymerization conditions, additives, or copolymer compositions on polymer molecular properties.
• Regulatory Compliance and Product Standardization: Regulatory bodies and certification organizations utilize this standardized test method to support product compliance and harmonize with international standards.
• Material Comparison and Selection: End-users and product developers employ inherent viscosity values as a criterion for comparing different grades of PVC resins or vinyl chloride copolymers when selecting materials for specific applications, such as pipes, films, coatings, and injection-molded products.

Related Standards

ASTM D1243-22e1 is part of a family of standards relevant to polymer solution viscosity measurements and PVC quality control, including:

• ASTM D445: Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent and Opaque Liquids
• ASTM D2857: Practice for Dilute Solution Viscosity of Polymers
• ASTM D1755: Specification for Poly(Vinyl Chloride) Resins
• ISO 1628-2: Determination of Viscosity Number and Limiting Viscosity Number - Part 2: Poly(Vinyl Chloride) Resins (Note: differs in technical content from ASTM D1243)
• ASTM D446: Specifications and Operating Instructions for Glass Capillary Kinematic Viscometers

By adhering to ASTM D1243-22e1, organizations establish robust and reproducible methods to ensure precise characterization of vinyl chloride polymers, supporting improved product quality and industry-wide compatibility. This test method continues to underpin advancements in plastics manufacturing and international standardization efforts.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
´1
Designation: D1243 − 22
Standard Test Method for
Dilute Solution Viscosity of Vinyl Chloride Polymers
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1243; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
ε NOTE—Editorially corrected equation in 9.1 in October 2023.
1. Scope* D446 Specifications and Operating Instructions for Glass
Capillary Kinematic Viscometers
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the dilute
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
solution viscosity of vinyl chloride polymers in cyclo-
D1600 Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plas-
hexanone. The viscosity is expressed in terms of inherent
tics
viscosity (logarithmic viscosity number). The test method is
D1755 Specification for Poly(Vinyl Chloride) Resins
limited to those materials that give clear, uniform solutions at
D2857 Practice for Dilute Solution Viscosity of Polymers
the test dilution.
E2251 Specification for Liquid-in-Glass ASTM Thermom-
NOTE 1—Other expressions for viscosity may be used as described in
eters with Low-Hazard Precision Liquids
the Appendix, but any change from the test method as specified shall be
2.2 ISO Standard:
stated in the report.
ISO 1628-2 Determination of Viscosity Number and Limit-
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
ing Viscosity Number—Part 2: Poly(Vinyl Chloride) Res-
standard.
ins
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
2.3 National Institute of Standards and Technology Circu-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
lar:
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
C-434 Testing of Glass Volumetric Apparatus
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3. Terminology
NOTE 2—This standard and ISO 1628-2 address the same subject
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms pertaining to plas-
matter, but differ in technical content.
tics used in this test method, refer to Terminology D883. For
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
abbreviations used in this test method, refer to Terminology
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
D1600, unless otherwise indicated.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
4. Summary of Test Method
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. 4.1 A sample of resin is dissolved in cyclohexanone to make
a solution of specified concentration. Inherent viscosity (loga-
2. Referenced Documents
rithmic viscosity number) is calculated from the measured flow
times of the solvent and of the polymer solution.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D445 Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent
NOTE 3—For additional information, refer to Test Method D445 and
and Opaque Liquids (and Calculation of Dynamic Viscos- Test Method D2857 for Dilute Solution Viscosity of Polymers.
ity)
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Dilute solution viscosity values for vinyl chloride poly-
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics
mers are related to the average molecular size of that portion of
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.15 on Thermoplastic Materi-
the polymer that dissolves in the solvent.
als.
Current edition approved May 1, 2022. Published May 2022. Originally
approved in 1952. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D1243 - 15. DOI:
10.1520/D1243-22E01.
2 3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 100
the ASTM website. Bureau Dr., Stop 1070, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1070, http://www.nist.gov.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
´1
D1243 − 22
6. Apparatus the viscometer. Allow 10 min for the viscometer to come to
temperature equilibrium after placing it in the water bath. If the
6.1 Transfer Pipets.
flow time of the solution or the solvent differs by more than
6.2 Volumetric Flasks, 100-mL, glass-stoppered, in accor-
0.1 % on repeat runs on the same filling, the result is suspect.
dance with National Institute of Standards and Technology
NOTE 5—Keep the Ubbelohde viscometer clean when not in use.
Circular C-434.
Acetone may be used to flush the pure solvent (Cyclohexanone) and
6.3 Viscometer, ASTM Ubbelohde Size 1 or Cannon- enable subsequent drying. The viscometer may be stored filled with pure
solvent or it may be stored dry.
Ubbelohde No. 75.
9. Calculation
NOTE 4—Operating instructions can be found in Specification D446.
6.4 Water Bath, set at 30.0 6 0.5°C, controlled to within 6 9.1 Calculate the relative and inherent viscosity (viscosity
0.01°C. ratio and logarithmic viscosity number) as follows:
6.4.1 The temperature of the bath medium shall not vary by
η 5 t/t
rel o
more than 60.02°C of the selected temperature in accordance
η 5 ~ln η !/C
inh rel
with Test Method D445.
where:
6.5 Timer, as specified in Test Method D445, graduated in
divisions of 0.1 s or less. η = relative viscosity (viscosity ratio),
rel
t = efflux time of the solution,
6.6 Filter Funnel, funnel, Hirsh-Type; borosilicate glass;
t = efflux time of the pure solvent,
o
w/coarse fritted disc, pore size: 40–60 μm.
C = weight of sample used (8.1) per 100 mL of solution,
6.7 Thermometer, standard, in accordance with Method
η = inherent viscosity (logarithmic viscosity number),
inh
E2251.
and
ln η = natural logarithm of relative viscosity (viscosity
rel
7. Materials
ratio).
7.1 Solvent—Cyclohexanone, analytical reagent grade or
10. Report
laboratory-distilled technical grade, boiling between 155 and
10.1 Report the average inherent viscosity of two analyses
156°C at 760 mm Hg has been found acceptable if stored in a
to the nearest 0.01.
closed container.
11. Precision and Bias
8. Procedure
11.1 An interlaboratory test program utilizing this test
8.1 Dissolve duplicates of resin as follows: Weigh 0.2 6
method was carried out in 1973 involving seven laboratories,
0.002 g of the sample (moisture content below 0.1 %) and
each performing pairs of determinations on one polymer.
transfer it to a 100-mL glass-stoppered volumetric flask. Take
care to transfer all of the weighed resin into the flask. As
...