Dilute Solution Viscosity
Solution Viscometer
What is a solution viscometer and solution viscosity?
A solution viscometer is used to measure dilute solution viscosity. Dilute solution viscosity normally means a solution with a concentration of 0.5 to 1%, but some dilute solutions can have a concentration as high as 8.4%.
The test itself is in two steps. First the viscosity (or flow time) of the pure solvent is measured. Then the polymer is dissolved in an accurately prepared solution, where the exact concentration is known. The viscosity of the dilute solution is then measured & compared to the first result.
The relative viscosity is a measure of the increase in the viscosity of a solvent due to the polymer which has been dissolved into it.
Based on the relative viscosity data & the concentration of the dilute solution, it is possible to compute values for different properties of the polymer, e. g. intrinsic viscosity, K-value etc.
The RHEOTEK product range consists of a an automated Polymer Viscometer and Automated Pulp viscometer, which is available in various models, depending on the polymer.
RHEOTEK RPV-1 Polymer Viscometer
This is designed to measure solution viscosity of Polyamide (PA), Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC), Polyester (PET) and a number of other polymers. Almost any "plastic" which can be dissolved in an aggressive organic solvent can be measured on the RPV system.
RHEOTEK RPV-1 Pulp and Cellulose Viscometer
This is designed to measure solution viscosity of PULP and CELLULOSE in CED (cupriethylenediamine).
Both types of solution viscometer are available in three different levels of automation.
- Standard system
- RSS Autosampler system
- Auto system
In order to measure the accuracy of a solution viscometer RHEOTEK has developed a series of tests to show that the viscometer systems and the sample preparation modules are highly accurate.
Solution viscosity requires experience, accuracy, patience and good working practices. At the RHEOTEK Polymer testing laboratory the experienced staff regularly perform tests on a wide variety of polymers. We welcome samples from potential customers and issue a full report after testing. This test report often forms the basis for discussion on how the customers can improve their measurement accuracy.
