LUBRIZOL TEST PROCEDURE

Test Procedure TP-ANLAB 075

Edition: January 6, 2005

Dispersion Viscosity of Carbopol® Ultrez 20 Polymer

Scope: Apparatus:
This procedure is for the determination of Brookfield 1. Analytical balance capable of ±0.005 gram
Viscosity of a 3% dispersion (unneutralized) of accuracy.
Carbopol® Ultrez 20 polymer. 2. Lightnin’ Labmaster mixer (or equivalent) with
3-bladed marine impeller 5 cm in diameter.
Abstract: 3. Constant temperature water bath at 25°C.
Carbopol ETD and Carbopol Ultrez polymers Precision Model 186. Fisher Scientific,
dispersed in water can be slow in reaching their Catalog No. 15- 474-20.
ultimate state of swelling even if well dispersed. As 4. Thermometer.
the polymer absorbs water, the dispersion viscosity 5. Brookfield Viscometer, Model RVF, RVT or
increases. Thus, exceeding a minimum dispersion RVTD, with modified guard. Brookfield
viscosity within a specified time ensures that the Engineering Laboratory, 240 Cushing Street,
polymer is not too slow to hydrate. Stoughton, MA 02072-2398.
Interferences: 6. Spindle set for Brookfield Viscometer, 316 s/s
1. The viscosity result is influenced by minute RV. Brookfield Engineering Laboratory, 240
amounts of most metallic ions which interfere Cushing Street, Stoughton, MA 02072-2398.
with the swelling activity of Carbopol polymers. 7. Brookfield Viscosity Standard Oils. Stock
Distilled or demineralized water should be used. fluids available at 1000, 5000, 12500, 30000,
2. When dispersed polymer does not occupy the 60000 and 100,000 cps. Calibrations should
entire volume of the liquid, the particles will be performed using an oil near the working
settle. Viscosity measurement of the dispersion range of viscosities. Calibration oils can be
can vary with extent of settling. Thus, the ordered from Brookfield Engineering
dispersion should be mixed just prior to Laboratory, 240 Cushing Street, Stoughton,
measuring the viscosity. MA 02072-2398.
3. Vigorous mixing of the dispersion can form foam 8. Griffin beaker, 800 mL. Fisher Scientific,
which can affect the viscosity measurement. Catalog No. 540N.
4. Dispersion viscosity depends on temperature. The 9. Graduated cylinder, 500 mL. Fisher Scientific,
dispersion viscosity should be measured at 25°C. Catalog No. 08-57-21F.
10. Aluminum weighing dish. Fisher Scientific,
Safety Precautions: Catalog No. 08-732.
1. Wear safety goggles and gloves. 11. Desiccator. Fisher Scientific, Catalog No. 08-
2. Carbopol polymer dust is irritating to the 595-5B.
respiratory passages, and breathing it should be 12. 1.9 cm wide spatula.
avoided.
3. Carbopol polymer dust in the eyes should be
Reagents:
thoroughly rinsed with 1% physiological saline
solution or water for a minimum of 15 minutes. 1. Distilled or demineralized water, specific
Saline solution is much preferred to water as water resistance of 1 megohm minimum.
swells the polymer and removal is more difficult.
4. Protective clothing, including apron, chemical
resistant gloves and goggles, should be worn.
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 Lubrizol Test Procedure TP-ANLAB 075
Dispersion Viscosity of Carbopol® Ultrez 20 Polymer
Page 2 of 3

Procedure:
1. Spread sample evenly in an open aluminum or
glass dish. Dry at 80°C in a vacuum oven
(minimum of 25 inches of mercury) for 1 hour.
After drying the Carbopol polymer, remove to a
desiccator and allow to cool to room
temperature. NOTE: Drying the sample is not
necessary if the sample has recently arrived
from production and the sample container has
not been previously opened.
2. Measure 500 mL distilled or demineralized
water in a graduated cylinder and transfer to an
800 mL beaker.
3. Place the beaker containing the 500 mL water
in the temperature controlled water bath for 1
hour, or until the water temperature in the
beaker is 25 ± 2°C.
4. After the Carbopol polymer reaches room
temperature, weigh out 15.00 ± 0.005 gram
dried polymer sample onto aluminum dishes.
5. Place the mixer impeller 2.5 cm below the
surface of the water in the beaker. Tilt the mixer
shaft to make a 30° angle from vertical. Turn
on the agitator at 300 rpm.
6. Start a timer, and start gently tapping the
Carbopol powder into the stirring water over a
period of 1 to 3 minutes. Avoid sticking the
powder to the beaker walls or the stirrer.
7. After the timer registers 5 minutes, reposition
the mixer blade to 2.5 cm above the bottom of
the beaker and continue mixing at 500 rpm until
the timer registers 15 minutes.
8. Cover the beaker containing the Carbopol
polymer dispersion with aluminum foil. Place it
in a 25 ± 2°C water bath.
9. After 3 hours (±5 minutes) in the 25°C bath,
suspend the particles in the beaker by hand
using the spatula. Avoid making foam in the
dispersion.
10. Immediately measure the mucilage viscosity
using a Brookfield Viscometer, Model RVF,
RVT or RVTD or equivalent model. The
measurement is made at 20 RPM. Use spindle
#4 for viscosities up to 10,000 mPa·s. (If
>10,000 mPa·s, use spindle #5). The viscosity
reading will increase rapidly and then may start
to decrease slowly if the particles settle.
Record the maximum viscosity reading.
 Lubrizol Test Procedure TP-ANLAB 075
Dispersion Viscosity of Carbopol® Ultrez 20 Polymer
Page 3 of 3

Appendix I
(Actual Size)