Polyhedron Laboratories performs molecular weight testing according to ASTM standards, such as Gel Permeation Chromatography (ASTM D5296-05), Inherent Viscosity (ASTM D1601-99), Inherent Viscosity (ASTM D4603-03) Dilute Solution Viscosity (ASTM D1243-95) and Laser Light Scattering (multi-angle, ASTM D4001-93). All ASTM standard descriptions below are paraphrased from the ASTM website (www.astem.org). Due to copyright restrictions, Polyhedron Laboratories cannot make available copies of standards. Standards can be found and are available at www.astem.org.

ASTM D5296-05 Standard Test Method for Molecular Weight Averages and Molecular Weight Distribution of Polystyrene by High Performance Size-Exclusion Gel Permeation Chromatography - This test procedure deals with the determination of molecular weight averages and the distribution of molecular weights for linear, soluble polymers by liquid high-performance size-exclusion chromatography (HPSEC). This test procedure method calls for the use of commercially available narrow molecular weight distribution (MWD) polystyrene standards for calibration. This test procedure is valid for specimens containing molecular weight components that have elution volumes falling within the range defined by polystyrene standards.

ASTM D1601-99 Standard Test Method for Dilute Solution Viscosity of Ethylene Polymers - This test procedure deals with the determination of the dilute solution viscosity of ethylene polymers at 135 degrees Centigrade. This is applicable to a wide spectrum of ethylene polymers having densities from 0.910 to 0.970 g/cm2. Instructions are explained for the determination of the viscosity ratio, inherent viscosity (also referred to as the logarithmic viscosity number), and the limiting viscosity number (intrinsic viscosity).

ASTM D4603-03 Standard Test Method for Determining Inherent Viscosity of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) by Glass Capillary Viscometer - This test procedure is for the determination of the inherent viscosity of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) soluble at 0.50 % concentration in a 60/40 phenol/1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane solution using a glass capillary viscometer.

ASTM D1243-95 Standard Test Method for Dilute Solution Viscosity of Vinyl Chloride Polymers - This test procedure deals with the determination of the dilute solution viscosity of vinyl chloride polymers in cyclohexanone. The viscosity is expressed in terms of inherent viscosity (also referred to as the logarithmic viscosity number).

ASTM D4001-93 Standard Test Method for Determination of Weight-Average Molecular Weight of Polymers By Light Scattering - This test procedure explains the test methods for determining the weight-average molecular weight of polymers by light scattering. It applies to all nonionic homopolymers (branched or linear) that dissolve completely without degradation or reaction to form stable solutions.