SIST EN ISO 1133-2:2012 PDF

Overview

EN ISO 1133-2:2011 (ISO 1133-2:2011) defines a controlled test method for determining the melt mass‑flow rate (MFR) and melt volume‑flow rate (MVR) of thermoplastics that are highly sensitive to their time‑temperature history and/or moisture. This part of ISO 1133 tightens test tolerances (temperature control, exposure time, sample amount and pre‑treatment) compared with ISO 1133‑1 to reduce variability for moisture‑ or heat‑sensitive materials and to improve repeatability and reproducibility of MFR/MVR results.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope: Applies to thermoplastics whose rheological behaviour is affected by hydrolysis, condensation or other time/temperature effects (e.g., some polyesters and polyamides), and to moisture‑sensitive grades.
• Controlled time‑temperature history: Specifies tighter temperature tolerances in the cylinder and stricter control of the duration the material is exposed to the test temperature.
• Sample preparation and handling: Emphasises pre‑treatment, drying and storage of samples to control moisture content and sample form (pellets, powder, flakes), as these strongly influence results.
• Apparatus and procedure: Uses an extrusion plastometer and accessory equipment; covers charging the cylinder, cleaning, vertical alignment, piston displacement, timing devices and measurement procedure.
• MVR and MFR determination: MVR is measured directly; MFR can be calculated from MVR if melt density at test conditions is known, or measured using a cutting device if accuracy matches MVR determination.
• Quality controls: Includes verification of temperature control, cleaning routines, minimum piston displacement and reporting requirements to ensure accurate, repeatable data.
• Limitations: Method may be unsuitable for materials whose rheology is extremely affected during testing; alternative characterisation (e.g., dilute‑solution viscosity) may be recommended in such cases.

Applications and users

• Who uses it: Polymer test laboratories, quality control teams, materials R&D, compounders, converters and standards bodies that need reliable flow‑property data for moisture‑ or heat‑sensitive thermoplastics.
• Practical uses:
  • Characterising processability (extrusion, injection moulding) of sensitive polymers.
  • Quality control and batch comparison where moisture or heat history can skew flow results.
  • Specifying test conditions for material datasheets or contracts (when material standards do not prescribe conditions).
  • Supporting product development and troubleshooting processing issues linked to degradation or hydrolysis.

Related standards

• ISO 1133‑1 - Standard MFR/MVR method for stable materials (less stringent tolerances).
• Material‑specific standards - often specify the test temperature/load; if absent, test conditions should be agreed between parties.
• ISO 307 / ISO 1628 - Alternative viscosity characterisation (dilute‑solution viscosity) suggested where MFR/MVR precision is insufficient.

Keywords: EN ISO 1133-2:2011, ISO 1133-2:2011, melt mass-flow rate MFR, melt volume-flow rate MVR, thermoplastics, time-temperature history, moisture sensitive, extrusion plastometer, sample conditioning.