PP and PE including ultra high Molecular Weight

The PSL Rheotek RPV-1 HT (Gen.2)  is suitable for determining the dilute solution viscosity of Ethylene Polymers, including low, medium and high density polyethylenes as well as a wide range of polypropylenes at 135 deg. C. In particular, the RPV-1 HT is suitable for ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) moulding and extrusion materials (virgin resins). 

The RPV-1 high temperature viscometer is cleverly configured to keep the sample (and cleaning solvents) at an elevated temperature at all times. In particular, the system allows the preparation of the sample to be carried out using the highly precise PSL Rheotek integrated Sample preparation (iSP-1) module. The iSP-1 prepares the sample concentration on a weight to weight basis and avoids the need to carry out an in-situ dilution based upon the less accurate weight to volume dilution basis. Depending upon the type of sample, dissolution can then either take place in a magnetic stirring block or for high density samples in an oven. Using a heated glass filling funnel the sample is then easily poured into the ISO 1628 Part 3 Ubbelohde viscometer tube which is situated in the bath. On completion of flow time measurements, the sample is extracted from the viscometer via a heated valve system. An autosampler module with a heated sample path is also an option.

Viscosity results include relative viscosity, reduced viscosity (viscosity number) and intrinsic viscosity in accordance with ISO 1628 Part 3, ASTM D1601 and ASTM D4020. Test methods require a range of concentrations between 0.5 to 0.02% as a function of reduced viscosity. UHMW-PE requires a concentration of 0.02%.

For solubilisation purposes the solvent used is Decahydronaphthalene (Decalin). UHMW-PE samples will need to be stirred in the solvent at 150 deg. C in a vacuum drying oven (not included in the scope of supply) for one hour. The solution is then transferred to the viscometer (type ISO1628 AKV) and allowed to stabilise at 135 deg. C.

Low and medium density PE samples can be heated and stirred using the SD-1BM reaction block.

The ISO 1628 Part 3 method requires that three consecutive flow times are obtained within 0.2s. Relative Viscosity and Reduced Viscosity is calculated and reported.

RPV-1 HT configurations include:

- one position RPV-1 (1) HT

- two positions RPV- 1 (2) HT

- two positions with auto sampler with heated sample path RPV-1 (2) HT Auto 

The RPV-1 HT can also be configured as a semi-auto system to provide highly accurate flow time measurements and calculation of solution viscosity results.

2 item(s)

2 item(s)