prEN ISO 1628-5
(Main)Plastics - Determination of the viscosity of polymers in dilute solution using capillary viscometers - Part 5: Thermoplastic polyester (TP) homopolymers and copolymers (ISO/DIS 1628-5:2026)
- Status
- Not Published
- Publication Date
- 05-Dec-2027
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 249 - Plastics
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 249 - Plastics
- Current Stage
- 4060 - Closure of enquiry - Enquiry
- Start Date
- 08-Sep-2026
- Completion Date
- 08-Sep-2026
prEN ISO 1628-5 is the CEN draft for determining the viscosity number of thermoplastic polyester (TP) homopolymers and copolymers in dilute solution using capillary viscometers. It applies to materials such as poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT), poly(cyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate) (PCT), poly(ethylene naphthalate) (PEN), and other copolyesters that dissolve in the specified solvents. The document gives the test principle, solvent choices, sample preparation, calculation rules and reporting items so laboratories can measure and compare results under the same conditions.
What does prEN ISO 1628-5 specify?
prEN ISO 1628-5 specifies a method for the viscosity number, also called reduced viscosity, of dilute solutions of TP in specified solvents. It uses the general procedure of ISO 1628-1:2024, with the additional conditions in this part.
The document is organized as follows:
- Clause 4 - principle of the efflux time method and the differential pressure method
- Clause 5 - solvents and solvent preparation
- Clause 6 - apparatus
- Clause 7 - solvent selection, additive check, sample preparation and solution preparation
- Clause 8 - test procedure
- Clause 9 - expression of results
- Clause 10 - test report
- Annex A - informative round-robin testing and solvent interconversion data
What are the key requirements of prEN ISO 1628-5?
Two test routes are allowed in Clause 4. The efflux time method measures the flow times of solvent and solution at 25 °C, while the differential pressure method measures the pressure difference across two capillaries at 25 °C. In practice, the laboratory chooses the route that matches its equipment and reporting needs.
The solvent matters in Clause 5 and Clause 7.1. The standard names six solvents, and results from different solvents cannot be directly compared unless an interconversion relationship is used. This means the solvent choice has to match the polymer type and the intended comparison.
Sample condition must be controlled in Clause 7.2 and 7.3. Inorganic materials and other additives above 0.5 % by mass each must be taken into account, and the sample is pre-dried at 105 °C under vacuum to limit hydrolysis from residual water. For highly crystalline material, the sample may need milling to below 1.0 mm to make dissolution practical.
Solution preparation is defined in Clause 7.4. The document gives Procedure A and Procedure B, both based on a weighed test portion and a specified solvent volume. For difficult PET samples, the clause also allows stronger heating and continuous stirring, but only with care because prolonged heating can affect the polymer.
The efflux time method has strict timing rules in Clause 8.1. The solvent flow time is checked at least once each day of use, and the solution flow time is measured with repeated readings until the spread is small enough. In practice, this is what makes the result repeatable from one run to the next.
The differential pressure method follows the instrument instructions in Clause 8.2. The method uses simultaneous measurement of solvent and solution, with a flow rate in the stated range. This is the route for automated systems, so the operator needs to match the solvent to the instrument.
Results and reporting are fixed in Clauses 9 and 10. At least two determinations are made with fresh solution, and the report includes the method used, solvent, sample identification, any deviations and the final viscosity number. That makes the result traceable and usable for quality records or customer documentation.
What terms does prEN ISO 1628-5 use?
- TP means thermoplastic polyester, the material family covered by the method.
- PET means poly(ethylene terephthalate), one of the specific materials named in the scope.
- PBT means poly(butylene terephthalate), another named TP used in this test.
- PCT means poly(cyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate), covered with a specific solvent condition.
- PEN means poly(ethylene naphthalate), with different solvent guidance for amorphous and crystalline material.
- Viscosity number is the measured value reported in mL/g and used as a measure related to relative molecular mass.
- Efflux time method is the capillary-flow approach based on solvent and solution flow times.
- Differential pressure method is the capillary approach based on the pressure difference between solvent and solution streams.
Who uses prEN ISO 1628-5?
This part is used by polymer laboratories, QC teams, and technical staff who test TP materials. It is relevant for resin producers, compounders, converters, and buyers who need to compare batches, check incoming material, or relate viscosity number to relative molecular mass. It is also useful where product specifications or internal control plans refer to viscosity testing of PET, PBT, PCT, PEN or related copolyesters.
What changed in prEN ISO 1628-5 from the previous edition?
prEN ISO 1628-5 is the third edition and it cancels and replaces the second edition. The main technical change is the addition of the differential pressure method, following the same change made in ISO 1628-1:2024. The new route is based on comparing the differential pressure in capillary tubing for the polymer solution and the neat solvent.
Which standards are used with prEN ISO 1628-5?
| Standard | What it contributes |
|---|---|
| ISO 760:1978 | Karl Fischer water determination for checking solvent water content |
| ISO 1628-1:2024 | General principles for viscosity number measurement and the basis for the differential pressure route |
| ISO 3105:1994 | Capillary viscometer specifications and operating instructions |
| ISO 3451-2:1998 | Ash determination for measuring inorganic material content |
| ISO 20028-1:2019 | TP designation system and basis for specification |
What does the prEN ISO 1628-5 document contain?
The document includes solvent lists, apparatus requirements, sample drying conditions, and two solution-preparation procedures. It also gives calculation formulas for concentration and viscosity number, plus the reporting items to include in the test report. Annex A provides round-robin testing data, repeatability and reproducibility values, and interconversion relationships for PET and PBT in different solvents. The annex also includes figures and equations that support comparison of results across solvents.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 18-Dec-2024
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Frequently Asked Questions
prEN ISO 1628-5 is a draft published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Plastics - Determination of the viscosity of polymers in dilute solution using capillary viscometers - Part 5: Thermoplastic polyester (TP) homopolymers and copolymers (ISO/DIS 1628-5:2026)". This standard covers: Plastics - Determination of the viscosity of polymers in dilute solution using capillary viscometers - Part 5: Thermoplastic polyester (TP) homopolymers and copolymers (ISO/DIS 1628-5:2026)
Plastics - Determination of the viscosity of polymers in dilute solution using capillary viscometers - Part 5: Thermoplastic polyester (TP) homopolymers and copolymers (ISO/DIS 1628-5:2026)
prEN ISO 1628-5 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 83.080.20 - Thermoplastic materials. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
prEN ISO 1628-5 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN ISO 1628-5:2015. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
prEN ISO 1628-5 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-september-2026
Polimerni materiali - Ugotavljanje viskoznosti polimerov v razredčenih raztopinah
s kapilarnimi viskozimetri - 5. del: Plastomerni poliestri (TP) homo- in kopolimerov
(ISO/DIS 1628-5:2026)
Plastics - Determination of the viscosity of polymers in dilute solution using capillary
viscometers - Part 5: Thermoplastic polyester (TP) homopolymers and copolymers
(ISO/DIS 1628-5:2026)
Kunststoffe - Bestimmung der Viskosität von Polymeren in verdünnter Lösung durch ein
Kapillarviscosimeter - Teil 5: Thermoplastische Polyester (TP) Homopolymere und
Copolymere (ISO/DIS 1628-5:2026)
Plastiques - Détermination de la viscosité des polymères en solution diluée à l'aide de
viscosimètres à capillaires - Partie 5: Homopolymères et copolymères des polyesters
thermoplastiques (TP) (ISO/DIS 1628-5:2026)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN ISO 1628-5
ICS:
83.080.20 Plastomeri Thermoplastic materials
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
DRAFT
International
Standard
ISO/DIS 1628-5
ISO/TC 61/SC 9
Plastics — Determination of
Secretariat: KATS
the viscosity of polymers in
Voting begins on:
dilute solution using capillary
2026-06-16
viscometers —
Voting terminates on:
2026-09-08
Part 5:
Thermoplastic polyester (TP)
homopolymers and copolymers
Plastiques — Détermination de la viscosité des polymères en
solution diluée à l'aide de viscosimètres à capillaires —
Partie 5: Homopolymères et copolymères des polyesters
thermoplastiques (TP)
ICS: 83.080.20
THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT CIRCULATED
FOR COMMENTS AND APPROVAL. IT
IS THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
AND MAY NOT BE REFERRED TO AS AN
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD UNTIL
PUBLISHED AS SUCH.
This document is circulated as received from the committee secretariat.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL,
TECHNOLOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND
USER PURPOSES, DRAFT INTERNATIONAL
STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE TO
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RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE AND TO
PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION.
Reference number
ISO/DIS 1628-5:2026(en)
DRAFT
ISO/DIS 1628-5:2026(en)
International
Standard
ISO/DIS 1628-5
ISO/TC 61/SC 9
Plastics — Determination of
Secretariat: KATS
the viscosity of polymers in
Voting begins on:
dilute solution using capillary
2026-06-16
viscometers —
Voting terminates on:
2026-09-08
Part 5:
Thermoplastic polyester (TP)
homopolymers and copolymers
Plastiques — Détermination de la viscosité des polymères en
solution diluée à l'aide de viscosimètres à capillaires —
Partie 5: Homopolymères et copolymères des polyesters
thermoplastiques (TP)
ICS: 83.080.20
THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT CIRCULATED
FOR COMMENTS AND APPROVAL. IT
IS THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
AND MAY NOT BE REFERRED TO AS AN
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD UNTIL
PUBLISHED AS SUCH.
This document is circulated as received from the committee secretariat.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL,
© ISO 2026
TECHNOLOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND
USER PURPOSES, DRAFT INTERNATIONAL
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE TO
ISO/CEN PARALLEL PROCESSING
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR
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POTENTIAL TO BECOME STANDARDS TO
WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
ISO copyright office
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Published in Switzerland Reference number
ISO/DIS 1628-5:2026(en)
ii
ISO/DIS 1628-5:2026(en)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Principle . 2
4.1 Efflux time method .2
4.2 Differential pressure method .2
5 Solvents . 2
5.1 General .2
6 Apparatus . 3
6.1 Efflux time method .3
6.2 Differential pressure method .4
7 Solvent and solution . 4
7.1 Selection of the solvent.4
7.2 Determination of inorganic materials or other additives in the sample .5
7.2.1 General .5
7.2.2 Determination of the content of inorganic materials .5
7.2.3 Determination of the content of other additives .5
7.3 Sample .5
7.4 Preparation of solution .6
7.4.1 General .6
7.4.2 Procedure A .6
7.4.3 Procedure B .7
8 Procedure . 7
8.1 Efflux Time method.7
8.1.1 Preparatory operations .7
8.1.2 Measurement of flow time .7
8.2 Differential pressure method .7
9 Expression of results . 8
10 Test report . 8
Annex A (informative) Round-robin testing . 10
iii
ISO/DIS 1628-5:2026(en)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
Draft International Standards adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for
voting. Publication as an International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies
casting a vote.
International Standard ISO 1628-5 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 61, Plastics, Subcommittee
SC 9, Thermoplastic materials.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition ), which has been technically revised.
The main change is the incorporation of an alternative procedure, the differential pressure method
(following same change in ISO 1628-1:2024), based on comparing the differential pressure in capillary
tubing due to the flow of polymer solution and neat solvent simultaneously.
ISO 1628 consists of the following parts, under the general title Plastics — Determination of the viscosity of
polymers in dilute solution using capillary viscometers:
— Part 1: General principles
— Part 2: Poly(vinyl chloride) resins
— Part 3: Polyethylenes and polypropylenes
— Part 4: Polycarbonate (PC) moulding and extrusion materials
— Part 5: Thermoplastic polyester (TP) homopolymers and copolymers
— Part 6: Methyl methacrylate polymers
Annex A of this part of ISO 1628 is for information only.
iv
DRAFT International Standard ISO/DIS 1628-5:2026(en)
Plastics — Determination of the viscosity of polymers in
dilute solution using capillary viscometers —
Part 5:
Thermoplastic polyester (TP) homopolymers and copolymers
1 Scope
This part of ISO 1628 specifies a method for the determination of the viscosity number (also referred to
as "reduced viscosity") of dilute solutions of thermoplastic polyesters (TPs) in certain specified solvents.
The method is applicable to poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT), poly-
(cyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate) (PCT), and poly(ethylene naphthalate) (PEN), as well as to
copolyesters and other polyesters, referred to in ISO 20028-1:2019, that are soluble in one of the specified
solvents under the specified conditions.
The viscosity number is determined by the general procedure specified in ISO 1628-1:2024, observing the
particular conditions specified in this part of ISO 1628.
The determination of the viscosity number of a thermoplastic polyester provides a measure of the relative
molecular mass of the polymer.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 760:1978, Determination of water — Karl Fischer method (General method)
ISO 1628-1:2024, Plastics — Determination of the viscosity of polymers in dilute solution using capillary
viscometers — Part 1: General principles
ISO 3105:1994, Glass capillary kinematic viscometers — Specifications and operating instructions
ISO 3451-2:1998, Plastics — Determination of ash — Part 2: Poly(alkylene terephthalate) materials
ISO 20028-1:2019, Plastics — Thermoplastic polyester (TP) moulding and extrusion materials — Part 1:
Designation system and basis for specification
3 Terms and definitions
No terms and definitions are listed in this document.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org
ISO/DIS 1628-5:2026(en)
4 Principle
4.1 Efflux time method
The times of flow of a solvent and a solution of resin in the solvent at a concentration of 0,005 g/ ml are
measured at 25 °C by conventional methods. The viscosity number is calculated from these measurements
and from the known concentration of the solution. Specific gravity difference and kinetic energy corrections
are small in this method and are not applied.
4.2 Differential pressure method
The differential pressure across each of the 2 capillaries connected in series, one of them receiving the
solvent having the differential pressure ∆p , the other receiving the polymer solution having the differential
pressure ∆p, are measured at 25°C. The viscosity number is calculated from these measurements and from
the known concentration of the solution.
5 Solvents
5.1 General
The viscosity number of saturated polyester is related to the solvent used, the test results between different
solvents cannot be directly compared. This standard specifies six different solvents.
Unless otherwise specified, only reagents confirmed as analytical grade should be used.
WARNING — The solvents used are hazardous. Avoid contact with the skin and inhalation of the
vapours.
WARNING — When using an automated instrument to apply the differential pressure method, use
only solvents compatible with the specific instrument used. In particular, some instruments are not
compatible with acids.
5.2 Phenol/1,2-dichlorobenzene
Weigh out 1 part by mass of phenol and dissolve in 1 part by mass of 1,2-dichlorobenzene . Work to an
accuracy of 1 % or better in the weighing.
5.3 Phenol/1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane
Weigh out 6 parts by mass of phenol and dissolve in 4 parts by mass of 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane, at (25 ±
0.02) °C, its density range is (1.235 ± 0.003) g/cm³. Or weigh out 1 part by mass of phenol and dissolve in
1 part by mass of 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane. Work to an accuracy of 1 % or better in the weighing, at (25 ±
0.02) °C, its density range is (1.280 ± 0.003) g/cm³.
5.4 o-Chlorophenol
5.5 m-Cresol, meeting the following specifications:
— appearance: clear and colourless;
— m-cresol content: 99 % (m/ m) min.;
— o-cresol content: 0,3 % (m/ m) max.;
— water content: 0,3 % (m/ m) max.
ISO/DIS 1628-5:2026(en)
The purity of the solvent can be checked by gas chromatography.
NOTE A solvent of the appropriate purity can be obtained by distillation of chemically pure m-cresol, preferably
in vacuo, pressure compensation being effected with nitrogen in order to avoid oxidation.
5.6 Dichloroacetic acid
5.7 Phenol/2,4,6-trichlorophenol
Weight out 6 parts by mass of phenol and dissolve in 4 parts by mass of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol.
NOTE 2,4,6-trichlorophenol of appropriate purity can be obtained by distillation of chemically pure
2,4,6-trichlorophenol.
5.8 Storage of the solvents
Protect the solvents from light by storing them, for example, in stoppered brown-glass bottles. Maintain
phenol-containing solvents at an ambient temperature of (25 ± 2) °C to prevent crystallization. Strictly control
the water co
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