ASTM D1795-13 (2021) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D1795‑13(2021) — Standard Test Method for Intrinsic Viscosity of Cellulose. Specifies a standardized procedure for determining the intrinsic viscosity of purified celluloses (bleached wood pulps, cotton linters, regenerated cellulose) using a cupriethylenediamine hydroxide solvent and calibrated glass capillary viscometry at 25 °C; results may be converted to degree of polymerization (DP) where required.

Abstract

This test method describes preparation of dilute cellulose solutions in a 0.5 M cupriethylenediamine hydroxide solvent, measurement of solution and solvent efflux times with an appropriate capillary viscometer at 25 °C, calculation of relative/absolute/intrinsic viscosity and reporting of intrinsic viscosity (expressed as dL/g). It is intended for celluloses with intrinsic viscosity ≤ 15 dL/g and is used as a sensitive indicator of cellulose degradation and molecular weight (DP) changes.

General information

• Status: Current (2013 edition, reapproved 2021).
• Publication date: Original edition 2013; current edition approved/reapproved in 2021 (published June 2021 / reapproved 2021 depending on listing).
• Publisher: ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials).
• ICS / categories: 85.040 (Pulps / Cellulosic materials).
• Edition / version: D1795 − 13 (Reapproved 2021).
• Number of pages: 6.

Scope

This standard covers the determination of intrinsic viscosity for purified celluloses (bleached wood pulps, cotton linters, regenerated cellulose) and applies to samples with intrinsic viscosity values up to about 15 dL/g. It defines sample dissolution in the specified cupriethylenediamine hydroxide solvent, viscometer selection and calibration, temperature control at 25 °C, timing procedures, and calculation/reporting conventions. Safety and laboratory practice notes are included but users must adopt appropriate safety and regulatory measures when handling reagents.

Key topics and requirements

• Preparation of dilute cellulose solutions in 0.5 M cupriethylenediamine hydroxide (specific solvent composition and copper:ethylenediamine ratio defined).
• Use of calibrated glass capillary viscometers (Cannon‑Fenske or similar) and selection to avoid kinetic energy corrections (recommended efflux times given).
• Strict temperature control at 25 °C (bath specifications and allowable variation defined).
• Measurement of solvent and solution efflux times, calculation of relative and intrinsic viscosity, and tables/relationships for converting to intrinsic viscosity or DP where applicable.
• Applicability limits (intrinsic viscosity ≤ 15 dL/g) and significance as an indicator of cellulose degradation and molecular weight changes.
• Reference to related ASTM test methods for viscometer filling, calibration, and thermometry.

Typical use and users

Used by pulp and paper production laboratories, cellulose and specialty-fiber manufacturers, quality control and product development labs, academic and industrial researchers studying cellulose molecular weight or degradation, and materials testing labs that require standardized DP/viscosity reporting for celluloses. It is commonly applied in production QC, product specification, research on chemical/thermal degradation, and formulation of cellulose derivatives.

Related standards

Referenced or related ASTM methods include Test Method D445 (kinematic viscosity practices and viscometer guidance) and other cellulose/cellulose‑derivative methods found in the ASTM D06.03 series (for example, test methods for hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, and related cellulose analyses). The standard is published in ASTM Volume 06.03 collections with neighboring D‑series cellulose test methods.

Keywords

cellulose; intrinsic viscosity; cupriethylenediamine hydroxide; capillary viscometer; degree of polymerization (DP); pulp testing; viscosity at 25 °C.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D1795‑13(2021) is a standardized test method for measuring the intrinsic viscosity of purified cellulose materials using a cupriethylenediamine hydroxide solvent and capillary viscometry.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers sample dissolution, viscometer selection and calibration, temperature control at 25 °C, timing of efflux, calculation of intrinsic viscosity and reporting. It is intended for celluloses with intrinsic viscosity up to ~15 dL/g.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: QC and R&D laboratories in the pulp and paper industry, cellulose/fiber manufacturers, analytical labs, and researchers studying cellulose molecular weight or degradation.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2013 revision (D1795‑13) was reapproved in 2021 (D1795‑13 (Reapproved 2021)) and is listed as the current ASTM test method. Users should confirm any later revisions on the ASTM document summary page before use.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the ASTM D06.03 cellulosic and cellulose‑derivative test methods and is published alongside related methods for cellulose derivatives and viscosity determinations in ASTM Volume 06.03.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Intrinsic viscosity, cellulose, cupriethylenediamine, capillary viscometer, degree of polymerization, pulp testing.