ASTM D1986-14(2021)

Standard Test Method for Determining the Apparent Viscosity of Polyethylene Wax

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method is used to determine a physical property of a wax and may determine the utility of the wax, as well as being a significant quality control test.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method describes the determination of the viscosity of polyethylene wax using small-volume, concentric cylinder, rotational viscometer and a temperature bath at 140 °C.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The units in parentheses are provided for user convenience and are not 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.  
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: 28-Feb-2021
• ICS: 83.080.20 - Thermoplastic materials
• Technical Committee: D21 - Polishes
• Drafting Committee: D21.02 - Raw Materials

Relations

• Refers: ASTM E1970-11 - Standard Practice for Statistical Treatment of Thermoanalytical Data
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2011
• Refers: ASTM E1970-06 - Standard Practice for Statistical Treatment of Thermoanalytical Data
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2006
• Refers: ASTM E1970-00 - Standard Practice for Statistical Treatment of Thermoanalytical Data
• Effective Date: 10-Aug-2001
• Refers: ASTM E1970-01 - Standard Practice for Statistical Treatment of Thermoanalytical Data
• Effective Date: 10-Aug-2001

Overview

ASTM D1986-14(2021) - Standard Test Method for Determining the Apparent Viscosity of Polyethylene Wax provides a precise methodology for measuring the viscosity of polyethylene waxes using a small-volume, concentric cylinder rotational viscometer and a controlled temperature bath at 140°C. This international standard from ASTM is intended to deliver reliable viscosity data critical for product quality control and the evaluation of polyethylene wax suitability in various industrial applications. The test method is recognized worldwide and adhered to international standardization principles.

Key Topics

• Apparatus and Measurement: The method utilizes a rotational viscometer with a coaxial spindle, force sensor, and data collection device. The viscometer must operate with a sample volume of 9-10 mL and work within temperatures of 130°C to 160°C.
• Temperature Control: Accurate and stable temperature is crucial for consistent viscosity readings. The sample must be tested at 140°C, or at 150°C for higher melting point waxes.
• Sample Preparation: Approximately 8 grams of polyethylene wax are melted and equilibrated before measurement.
• Calibration and Quality Control: Routine calibration using Newtonian and reference fluids is required for instrument accuracy. The method provides checks to ensure reliability of results, calling for repeat measurements until consistent readings are achieved.
• Reporting and Documentation: Reports must include viscometer details, spindle, speed, test temperature, and calculated mean viscosity.

Applications

ASTM D1986-14(2021) is vital in various industries for:

• Quality Control: Ensuring that batches of polyethylene wax meet viscosity specifications critical for end-use performance in polishes, coatings, plastics, and adhesives.
• Product Development: Supporting the formulation and optimization of polyethylene wax products with desired flow and application characteristics by providing reliable viscosity measurement.
• Regulatory and Compliance Testing: Satisfying requirements for documentation and traceability in line with global trade and safety standards.
• Research and Comparative Analysis: Facilitating the study of processing behavior, batch consistency, and product stability under controlled test conditions.

This test method helps manufacturers and laboratories maintain product quality, support certification needs, and satisfy customer requirements for consistent and reliable polyethylene waxes.

Related Standards

• ASTM E1970: Practice for Statistical Treatment of Thermoanalytical Data - relevant for handling and interpreting viscosity measurement data.
• Other ASTM Viscometry Standards: There are additional ASTM standards that address related viscosity measurements for different materials and conditions, which may complement ASTM D1986 in broader laboratory and industrial contexts.

Practical Value

ASTM D1986-14(2021) provides a robust procedure for measuring the apparent viscosity of polyethylene waxes, which can often be non-Newtonian and exhibit varying flow behavior under different conditions. By standardizing the test method and apparatus, this standard ensures repeatable, reliable, and internationally recognized viscosity data, supporting quality assurance and market acceptance of polyethylene wax products.

Keywords: polyethylene wax, apparent viscosity, rotational viscometer, ASTM D1986, quality control, viscosity test method, industrial wax testing, standardization, laboratory testing

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.
Designation: D1986 − 14 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Test Method for
Determining the Apparent Viscosity of Polyethylene Wax
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1986; 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.
1. Scope 3.1.2.1 Discussion—The unit of viscosity is the pascal
second (Pa·s). For a Newtonian liquid, the viscosity is constant
1.1 This test method describes the determination of the
at all shear rates. For a non-Newtonian liquid, viscosity will
viscosity of polyethylene wax using small-volume, concentric
vary depending on shear rate.
cylinder, rotational viscometer and a temperature bath at 140
3.1.3 apparent viscosity—the viscosity determined by this
°C.
test method and expressed in millipascal seconds (mPa·s or
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
centipoises (cP)). (1 cP=1 mPa·s). Its value may vary with the
standard. The units in parentheses are provided for user
spindle and rotational speed selected because many waxes are
convenience and are not standard.
non-Newtonian.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4. Significance and Use
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.1 This test method is used to determine a physical
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
property of a wax and may determine the utility of the wax, as
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
well as being a significant quality control test.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
5. Apparatus
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5.1 Small-volume, Coaxial Rotational Viscometer —The
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
essential instrumentation required providing the minimal rota-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
tional viscometer analytical capabilities for this method in-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
clude:
2. Referenced Documents
5.1.1 Drive Motor, to apply an unidirectional rotational
displacement to the specimen at a rate of 0.05 to 6.0 rad/s (0.5
2.1 ASTM Standards:
to 60 r/min) constant to 61%.
E1970 PracticeforStatisticalTreatmentofThermoanalytical
5.1.2 Force Sensor, to measure the torque up to 0.6 mN·m
Data
developed by the specimen to the rotational displacement of
3. Terminology the rotational element.
5.1.3 Coupling Shaft, or other means to transmit the rota-
3.1 Definitions:
tional displacement from the motor to the specimen.
3.1.1 polyethylene wax—polymerized ethylene with a mo-
5.1.4 Rotational Element, Spindle or Tool, to fix the speci-
lecular weight 2,000 to 10,000 g/mol and a density of 0.9 to 1.0
men between the drive shaft and a stationary position. A
g/cm . These polymers may be oxidized or copolymerized but
coaxial spindle with the dimensions shown in Fig. 1 is suitable
should have a melt point lower than 140 °C.
for this test method.
3.1.2 viscosity—the ratio of shear stress to shear rate. The
5.1.5 Data Collection Device, to acquire and display mea-
viscosity of a liquid is a measure of the internal friction of the
sured or calculated signals from the test. The minimum output
liquid in motion.
signals required for apparent viscosity are torque, rotational
speed, temperature and time.
1 5.1.6 Stand, to support, level and adjust the height of the
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D21 on Polishes
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D21.02 on Raw Materials. drive motor, shaft and rotational element.
Current edition approved March 1, 2021. Published March 2021. Originally
approved in 1991. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as D1986-14. DOI:
10.1520/D1986-14R21.
2 3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available from most manufacturers of precision laboratory instruments. Many
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM versions have an integral controlled temperature bath and other specified apparatus.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on The product literature or sales information usually specifies that the instrument is
the ASTM website. suitable for use in ASTM D1986.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D1986 − 14 (2021)
undue shock and mishandling. Physical damage to the instru-
ment will often reveal itself as lack of pointer oscillation
evenly about the zero point when the instrument is operated in
air.
6.2 The instrument may be further calibrated using standard
reference fluids. Suitable fluids are available in nominal
viscosities up to 15 Pa·s at 149 °C (300 °F). A procedure for
instrumentcalibrationusingstandardreferencefluidsshouldbe
available from the instrument manufacturer. Results obtained
using standard reference fluids should not deviate from the
nominal viscosity by more than 2 %.
6.3 To check the temperature controller and bath, place a
quantityofpolyethylenewaxinthesamplecontainerandallow
it to melt. Insert the thermal sensor through the insulating cap
and fix it at a proper depth, but not in contact with the walls of
the container. Adjust the temperature controller to provide the
desired test temperature. Rotate the sensor during temperature
reading to minimize the effect of thermal gradients in the
sample. Continue temperature readings and controller adjust-
ment until minimum deviation from test temperature is ob-
tained.
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