ISO/TC 61/SC 9/WG 20 - Poly(vinyl chloride)

This document specifies the methods of preparation of test samples and the test methods to be used in determining the properties of PVC resins. Requirements for handling test material and for conditioning the material before testing are given here. In addition, properties and test methods which are suitable and necessary to characterize PVC resins are listed.

1.1 This document establishes a system of designation for vinyl chloride thermoplastic resins which can be used as the basis for specifications. 1.2 The types of vinyl chloride plastics are differentiated from each other by a classification system based on appropriate levels of the designatory properties: a) reduced viscosity; b) apparent density; c) retention on a 63 µm mesh sieve; d) plasticizer absorption at room temperature (for general-purpose resins); e) the viscosity and the type of rheological behaviour of a standard paste (for paste resins only); and on information about basic polymer parameters, polymerization processes and intended applications. 1.3 This document is applicable to resins in powder form which consist of homopolymers of the monomer vinyl chloride and copolymers, terpolymers, etc., of vinyl chloride with one or more other monomers, but where vinyl chloride is the main constituent. The resins can contain small amounts of non-polymerized substances (e.g. emulsifying or suspending agents, catalyst residues, etc.) and other substances added during the course of polymerization. 1.4 It is not intended to imply that materials having the same designation give necessarily the same performance. This document does not provide engineering data, performance data or data on processing conditions which can be required to specify a material for a particular application and/or method of processing. If such additional properties are required, they are determined in accordance with the test methods specified in ISO 24024-2, if suitable. 1.5 In order to specify a resin for a particular application or to ensure reproducible processing, additional requirements can be given in data block 5 (see 4.1).

1.1 This document specifies conditions for the determination of the reduced viscosity (also known as viscosity number) and K-value of PVC resins. It is applicable to resins in powder form which consist of homopolymers of the monomer vinyl chloride and copolymers, terpolymers, etc., of vinyl chloride with one or more other monomers, but where vinyl chloride is the main constituent. The resins may contain small amounts of unpolymerized substances (e.g. emulsifying or suspending agents, catalyst residues, etc.) and other substances added during the course of the polymerization. This document is not applicable, however, to resins having a volatile-matter content in excess of 0,5 % ± 0,1 %, when determined in accordance with ISO 1269. In addition to this, it is not applicable to resins which are not entirely soluble in cyclohexanone. 1.2 The reduced viscosity and K-value of a particular resin are related to its molecular mass, but the relationship varies depending on the concentration and type(s) of other monomer(s) present. Hence, homopolymers and copolymers having the same reduced viscosity or K-value might not have the same molecular mass. 1.3 The values determined for reduced viscosity and K-value, for a particular sample of PVC resin, are influenced differently by the concentration of the solution chosen for the determination. Hence the use of the procedures described in this document only gives values for reduced viscosity and K-value that are comparable when the concentrations of the solutions used are identical. 1.4 Limiting viscosity number is not used for PVC resins. 1.5 The experimental procedures described in this document can also be used to characterize the polymeric fraction obtained during the chemical analysis of a PVC composition. However, the values calculated for the reduced viscosity and K-value in these circumstances might not indicate the actual values for the resin used to produce the composition because of the impure nature of the recovered polymer fraction.

1.1 This document establishes a system of designation for plasticized PVC thermoplastic material which can be used as the basis for specifications. 1.2 The types of PVC-U plastics are differentiated from each other by a classification system based on appropriate levels of the designatory properties a) Shore hardness, b) density, c) torsional-stiffness temperature at 300 MPa, and on information about physical form, intended application and/or method of processing, important properties, additives, colorants. 1.3 This document is applicable to all plasticized compositions of homopolymers and copolymers that contain at least a mass percentage of 50 % of vinyl chloride. It is also applicable to plasticized compositions containing chlorinated poly (vinyl chloride) and to plasticized compositions containing blends of one or more of the above-mentioned polymers, provided that the total amount of these polymers represents at least a mass percentage of 50 % of the polymer content of the composition. This document applies to materials ready for normal use in the form of powder (dry blends), granules or pellets and to materials unmodified or modified by colorants, additives, fillers, etc. It does not apply to cellular plastics or to paste compositions (plastisols). 1.4 This document does not intend to imply that materials having the same designation give the same performance. It does not provide engineering data, performance data or data on processing conditions which might be required to specify a material for a particular application and/or method of processing. If additional properties are required, they are, if suitable, determined using the test methods specified in ISO 24023-2. 1.5 In order to specify a thermoplastic material for a particular application or to ensure reproducible processing, additional requirements can be given in data block 5 (see 4.1).

This document specifies the methods of preparation of test specimens and the test methods to be used in determining the properties of PVC-P moulding and extrusion materials. It gives the requirements for handling test materials and for conditioning both the test material before moulding and the specimens before testing. This document gives procedures and conditions for the preparation of test specimens and procedures for measuring properties of the materials from which these specimens are made. It lists properties and test methods which are suitable and necessary to characterize PVC-P moulding and extrusion materials. The properties have been selected from the general test methods in ISO 10350-1. Other test methods in wide use for, or of particular significance to, these moulding and extrusion materials are also included in this document, as are the designatory properties specified in ISO 24023 (all parts).

This document specifies a method for determining the hot plasticizer absorption of PVC polymers intended for general use (designated "G" in ISO 1060-1) by hot mixing in a planetary mixer and measuring the amount of plasticizer absorbed.

This document specifies two methods for the determination of the thermal stability of products and compounds based on vinyl chloride homopolymers and copolymers (referred to simply as PVC in the following text) by the extent of the discoloration that occurs when they are exposed, in the form of sheet, to elevated temperatures. The two methods are: — Method A: Oil-bath method; — Method B: Oven method. These methods are particularly applicable to the determination of the resistance of PVC to degradation by heat, as assessed by the change in colour after different times of heating under standardized conditions. The results are comparative only, and can be unsatisfactory when coloured PVC materials are tested. The stability times given by the two methods might not be similar and cannot be used for direct-comparison purposes.

This document establishes a system of designation for unplasticized PVC thermoplastic material which may be used as the basis for specifications. The types of PVC-U plastics are differentiated from each other by a classification system based on appropriate levels of the designatory properties a) Vicat softening temperature, b) impact strength (Charpy notched), c) modulus of elasticity and on information about basic polymer parameters, intended application and/or method of processing, important properties, additives, colorants, fillers and reinforcing materials. This document is applicable to all unplasticized compositions of homopolymers and copolymers that contain at least a mass fraction of 50 % of vinyl chloride. It is also applicable to compositions containing chlorinated poly(vinyl chloride) and to compositions containing blends of one or more of the above-mentioned polymers, provided that the total amount of these polymers represents at least a mass fraction of 50 % of the polymer content of the composition. It applies to materials ready for normal use in the form of powder, granules or pellets and to materials unmodified or modified by colorants, additives, fillers, etc. This document does not apply to cellular plastics. It is not intended to imply that materials having the same designation give necessarily the same performance. This document does not provide engineering data, performance data or data on processing conditions which can be required to specify a material for a particular application and/or method of processing. If such additional properties are required, they can be determined in accordance with the test methods specified in ISO 21306-2, if suitable. In order to specify a thermoplastic material for a particular application or to ensure reproducible processing, additional requirements may be given in data block 5 (see 4.1).

This document specifies the methods of preparation of test specimens and the test methods to be used in determining the properties of PVC-U moulding and extrusion materials. Requirements for handling test materials and for conditioning both the test material before moulding and the specimens before testing are given. The properties required for the designation of PVC-U thermoplastics are given in ISO 21306-1. All properties are intended to be determined by the appropriate methods referred to in this document and values obtained shall be presented as laid down in ISO 10350-1. The values determined in accordance with this document are not necessarily be identical to those obtained using specimens of different dimensions and/or prepared by different procedures. The values obtained for the properties of a moulding depend on the moulding compound, the shape, the test method and the state of anisotropy. The last-mentioned depends on the gating of the mould and the moulding conditions, for example temperature, pressure and injection rate. Any subsequent treatment is also be considered, for example conditioning or annealing. The thermal history and the internal stresses of the specimens can strongly influence the thermal and mechanical properties and the resistance to environmental stress cracking, but exert less effect on the electrical properties, which depend mainly on the chemical composition of the moulding compound. In order to obtain reproducible and comparable test results, the methods of preparation and conditioning, the specimen dimensions and the test procedures specified herein are used. Values determined are not necessarily be identical to those obtained using specimens of different dimensions or prepared using different procedures.

This document specifies two methods, A and B, for the preparation of pastes (also known as plastisols) from appropriate PVC resins, plasticizers and other ingredients using a planetary mixing process. Both method A and method B can be used to prepare pastes of any composition. Method A (single-speed) is particularly applicable to resins prone to heat build-up during paste preparation, while method B (two-speed) might be preferred for repetitive work, e.g. for process control during resin manufacture, because of its shorter mixing time. Such pastes can be used for a variety of test purposes, including the determination of rheological properties for resin designation and specification.

ISO 4575:2007 specifies a method, using the Severs rheometer, for determining the apparent viscosity, at high shear, of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) pastes prepared from PVC paste polymers and plasticizers. It applies in particular to 'standard pastes' prepared in accordance with ISO 4612 or ISO 11468.

ISO 1265:2007 specifies a method for determining the number of impurities and foreign particles in a flattened surface of poly(vinyl chloride) resin. It is not applicable to paste resins because of their finely divided state.

ISO 1269:2006 specifies two methods for determining the volatile matter (including water) in homopolymer and copolymer resins of vinyl chloride.

ISO 22498:2005 specifies a method for the determination of the size distribution of particles of vinyl chloride homopolymer and copolymer resins by measuring the amounts retained on a selection of sieves having meshes of various aperture sizes. The results can be expressed either in terms of the amount retained on the individual sieves or as the mean particle size for the whole test sample.

ISO 4610:2001 specifies a method for the determination of the sieve retention and particle size distribution of preferably free-flowing vinyl chloride homopolymer and copolymer resins prepared by the 'suspension', 'bulk' and 'emulsion' polymerization processes. Control of these characteristics can help to ensure consistency of supply and predictable processing behaviour.

The principle of the method is maintaining a test portion of the PVC at an agreed temperature in a nitrogen gas stream, absorbing the hydrogen chloride evolved in a given amount of demineralized water, and potentiometrically determining the amount of hydrogen chloride evolved in relation to the recorded change in conductivity of the water. The method is recommended for compounded PVC materials and products only, although it can be used for polymers in powder form under appropriate conditions.

The principle of the method is maintaining a test portion of the PVC at an agreed temperature in a nitrogen gas stream, absorbing the hydrogen chloride evolved in a given amount of an appropriate solution, and potentiometrically determining the amount of hydrogen chloride evolved in relation to the recorded change in pCl of the absorbing solution. The method is recommended for compounded PVC materials and products only, although it can be used for polymers in powder form under appropriate conditions.

May be used as a quality-control test during manufacture and conversion of PVC compounds and for coloured compounds. Is not recommended for compounds in the form of dry blends. Defines the stability time. The principle consists in exposing a sample of the material at an agreed temperature in a gas stream, followed by absorption of the hydrogen chloride evolved in a 0.1 mol/l solution of sodium chloride. The amount of hydrogen chloride evolved is measured by recording the change in pH of the sodium chloride solution. Figures show the general arrangement of apparatus and details of the dehydrochlorination cell. Together with three other parts of ISO 182, cancels and replaces ISO Recommendation R 182:1970.

Intended primarily as a simple and rapid quality-control test during the manufacture and conversion of PVC compounds. Suitable for coloured compounds. Is not recommended for compounds in the form of dry blends. The determination is carried out on a sample of the PVC compound which is maintained at an agreed temperature in still air until the colour of a Congo red paper held above it changes from red to blue. If universal indicator paper is used, the colour change is that corresponding to pH 3. The time required for the colour change is taken to be the stability time, ts. Together with ISO 182-2, replaces and cancels ISO Recommendation R 182:1970.

Treatment of a test portion of resin with a given volume of an aqueous solution of sodium chloride previous neutralized to pH 7,0. After stirring and decanting, measurement of the potential difference existing between a glass electrode and a reference calomel electrode immersed in the liquid maintained at 23 °C and reading of this difference, expressed in pH units directly on th pH meter scale.

Specification of a method for the determination of the bulk density of PVC-polymers, densified by vibration under specified conditions. A weighed test portion is filled into a measuring cylinder and densified by means of a specified vibration apparatus. Calculation of the apparent bulk density from the weight and the measured volume after densification.

ISO 2898-2:2898 specifies the methods of preparation of test specimens and the test methods to be used in determining the properties of PVC-P moulding and extrusion materials. Requirements for handling test material and for conditioning both the test material before moulding and the specimens before testing are given. Procedures and conditions for the preparation of test specimens and procedures for measuring properties of the materials from which these specimens are made are given. Properties and test methods which are suitable and necessary to characterize PVC-P moulding and extrusion materials are listed. The properties have been selected from the general test methods in ISO 10350-1. Other test methods in wide use for, or of particular significance to, these moulding and extrusion materials are also included in this part of ISO 2898, as are the designatory properties specified in ISO 2898-1.

This part of ISO 1628 specifies conditions for the determination of the reduced viscosity (also known as viscosity number) and K-value of PVC resins. It is applicable to resins in powder form which consist of homopolymers of the monomer vinyl chloride and copolymers, terpolymers, etc., of vinyl chloride with one or more other monomers, but where vinyl chloride is the main constituent. The resins may contain small amounts of unpolymerized substances (e.g. emulsifying or suspending agents, catalyst residues, etc.) and other substances added during the course of the polymerization. This part of ISO 1628 is not applicable, however, to resins having a volatile-matter content in excess of 0,5 % ± 0,1 %, when determined in accordance with ISO 1269. In addition to this, it is not applicable to resins which are not entirely soluble in cyclohexanone. The reduced viscosity and K-value of a particular resin are related to its molecular mass, but the relationship varies depending on the concentration and type(s) of other monomer(s) present. Hence homopolymers and copolymers having the same reduced viscosity or K-value may not have the same molecular mass. The values determined for reduced viscosity and K-value, for a particular sample of PVC resin, are influenced differently by the concentration of the solution chosen for the determination. Hence the use of the procedures described in this part of ISO 1628 will only give values for reduced viscosity and K-value that are comparable when the concentrations of the solutions used are identical. Limiting viscosity number is not used for PVC resins. The experimental procedures described in this part of ISO 1628 can also be used to characterize the polymeric fraction obtained during the chemical analysis of a PVC composition. However, the values calculated for the reduced viscosity and K-value in these circumstances may not indicate the actual values for the resin used to produce the composition because of the impure nature of the recovered polymer fraction.

Establishes a system of designation for plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-P) which may be used as the basis for specifications. PVC-P plastics are differentiated by a classification system based on appropriate levels of properties such as Shore hardness, density and torsional-stiffness temperature at 300 MPa and on information about physical form, intended application, additives and colorants. Replaces the second edition.

Gives a system of designation for unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC-U) moulding and extrusion materials which may be used as the basis for specifications. Applicable to all unplasticized polyvinyl chloride compositions that contain at least 50 % m/m of vinyl chloride. Does not apply to cellular plastics. Replaces the second edition.

Specifies procedures and conditions for the preparation of test specimens of PVC-U plastics and methods for measuring their properties, which be strongly influenced by the thermal history and the internal stresses. Cancels and replaces the first edition.

Specification of a comparing method, based on the increasing discoloration of polyvinylchloride when exposed to heat, due to a decomposition reaction. Test pieces in diskform are placed between aluminium pieces and heated to the specified test temperature. After specified periods one test specimen at a time is taken out and the degree of discoloration assessed by visual examination or by measuring with a photometer.

Specification of a method for determining the apparent viscosity, at high shear, of polyvinylchloride pastes prepared from polyvinylchloride polymers and plasticizers. It applies in particular to "standard pastes" according ISO 4612. Placing of a sample in a Severs rheometer and setting of the jacket to a defined temperature. Measurement of the flow rate of the paste through a calibrated die at different pressures. Calculation of the shear rate and apparent viscosity for each flow rate corresponding to each of the pressures applied.

A test portion of resin is spreaded out in a weighing dish, weighed to the nearest 0,000 5 g and dried at 110 °C to constant mass. The volatile matter is expressed as percentage of the original weight.

Specification of a visual method of determining the number of impurities and foreign particles in polyvinylchloride resin. About 200 g of resin are flattened between a rigid white plate and a glass sheet containing a grid. The impurities and foreign particles visible in 25 squares (= 225 cm ) and having a diameter equal or greater than 0,250 mm are counted. Expression of the result by extrapolation as the number of specks per 100 squares of the grid.

Specification of a method for the determination of the particle size of vinylchloride homopolymer and copolymer resins by sieving under a stream of water, using standard aperture sieves with mesh sizes 0,063 and 0,250 mm. The residues on the sieves are dried and weighed. The percentages of the sieve residues shall be calculated.