Overview
EN ISO 2884-2:2024 - Paints and varnishes: Determination of viscosity using rotational viscometers - Part 2 - specifies a general, relative method for measuring viscosity of paints, varnishes, binders and related products using disc or ball spindles at specified speeds. Adopted by CEN as EN ISO 2884-2:2024 (superseding the 2006 version), the method is suitable for Newtonian and non‑Newtonian materials and for products containing particle dispersions. It is primarily intended for quality control and process monitoring (for example, monitoring viscosity while thinning during manufacture).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Measuring assembly: rotational viscometer with relative geometry (disc or ball spindle) and a defined container; temperature control is required.
- Spindle types and ranges:
- Type 1 - Disc spindle (with cross‑channels for slight agitation): up to 1.5 Pa·s at 200 min⁻¹.
- Type 2 - Ball spindle: up to 6.5 Pa·s (typically at 44 min⁻¹).
- Type 3 - Ball spindle: up to 34 Pa·s (use at 44 min⁻¹ or 20 min⁻¹).
- Container geometry: typical 250 ml round container (nominal internal diameter ~74 mm, height ~74 mm, filling aperture ~61 mm). Using different containers requires calibration.
- Temperature control: sample and container maintained at (23 ± 0.5) °C.
- Reference fluids: standard mineral oils (Newtonian), within ±5% of stated viscosity, verified by a recognized laboratory; silicone oils are excluded.
- Sampling and preparation: follow ISO 15528 and ISO 1513 for representative sampling and test sample preparation.
- Calibration and checks: regular inspection and verification of measuring geometries and the measuring assembly against reference fluids; measured values deviating > ±5% from setpoint require further checks.
- Reporting and traceability: test reports should record spindle type, speed, temperature, container geometry, reference fluids and any deviations (see Clause 9).
Applications and who uses it
- Paint, varnish and coating manufacturers - in-process monitoring, thinning control and batch-to-batch consistency.
- Quality control laboratories - routine viscosity checks, acceptance testing and traceable relative measurements.
- Formulation scientists and rheologists - rapid comparative assessments during development.
- Raw material suppliers and contract testers - verifying compatibility and handling characteristics.
Related standards
Keywords: EN ISO 2884-2:2024, viscosity measurement, rotational viscometer, disc spindle, ball spindle, paints and varnishes, relative viscosity, process monitoring, quality control.