1.1 This practice covers the determination of the dilute solution viscosity of polymers. There are several ASTM standards (Test Methods D789, D1243, D1601, and D4603, and Practice D3591) that describe dilute solution viscosity procedures for specific polymers, such as nylon, poly(vinyl chloride), polyethylene, and poly(ethylene terephthalate). This practice is written to augment these standards when problems arise with which the specific procedure is not concerned, or when no standard is available for the polymer under investigation.
1.2 This practice is applicable to all polymers that dissolve completely without chemical reaction or degradation to form solutions that are stable with time at a temperature between ambient and 150°C. Results are usually expressed as relative viscosity (viscosity ratio), inherent viscosity (logarithmic viscosity number), or intrinsic viscosity (limiting viscosity number) (see
3.1).
1.3 For polyamides, relative viscosity values by this procedure are not equivalent to those determined by Test Methods D789.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.5 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 1—This standard and ISO 1628, “Plastics—Determination of Viscosity Number and Limiting Viscosity Number,” are technically equivalent.
1.6 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.
ASTM D2857-22 Referenced Document
ASTM D1243 Standard Test Method for Dilute Solution Viscosity of Vinyl Chloride Polymers
ASTM D1600 Standard Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics
ASTM D1601 Standard Test Method for Dilute Solution Viscosity of Ethylene Polymers
ASTM D3591 Standard Test Method for Determining Logarithmic Viscosity Number of Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) in Formulated Compounds
ASTM D445 Standard Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent and Opaque Liquids (the Calculation of Dynamic Viscosity)
ASTM D446 Standard Specifications and Operating Instructions for Glass Capillary Kinematic Viscometers
ASTM D4603 Standard Test Method for Determining Inherent Viscosity of Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) (PET) by Glass Capillary Viscometer
ASTM D5226 Standard Practice for Dissolving Polymer Materials
ASTM D789 Standard Test Methods for Determination of Relative Viscosity and Moisture Content of Polyamide (PA)
ASTM D883 Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics*, 2024-02-01 Update
ASTM E2251 Standard Specification for Liquid-in-Glass ASTM Thermometers with Low-Hazard Precision Liquids
ASTM D2857-22 history
2022ASTM D2857-22 Standard Practice for Dilute Solution Viscosity of Polymers
2016ASTM D2857-16 Standard Practice for Dilute Solution Viscosity of Polymers
1995ASTM D2857-95(2007) Standard Practice for Dilute Solution Viscosity of Polymers
1995ASTM D2857-95(2001) Standard Practice for Dilute Solution Viscosity of Polymers
1995ASTM D2857-95 Standard Practice for Dilute Solution Viscosity of Polymers
1977ASTM D2857-70(1977) Standard Test Method for Dilute Solution Viscosity Of Polymers