ASTM D1986 Method for Determining the Apparent Viscosity of Polyethylene Wax
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the viscosity in centipoise of polyethylene wax using the Brookfield LVT or LVF viscometer and thermosel system.
1.2 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E1 Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 polyethylene wax - polymerized ethylene with a molecular weight 2,000 to 10,000 and a density of 0.9 to 1.0 g/cm3. These polymers can be oxidized or copolymerized but should have a melt point lower than 140°C.
3.1.2 viscosity - the ratio of shear stress to shear rate. The viscosity of a liquid is a measure of the internal friction of the liquid in motion. The units of viscosity is the pascal second. For a Newtonian liquid, the viscosity is constant at all shear rates. For a non-Newtonian liquid, viscosity will vary depending on shear rate.
3.1.3 apparent viscosity - the viscosity determined by this test method and expressed in millipascal seconds. Its value may vary with the spindle and rotational speed selected because many waxes are non-Newtonian.
