Lovis 2000: Precision meets polymer analysis

Anton Paar's Lovis 2000 microviscometer enables reliable and precise determination of intrinsic viscosity in polymer measurements, facilitating fast and efficient quality control, e.g. for food packaging materials. The instrument’s software is specifically designed for polymer measurements, making it an ideal tool for these applications.

The Lovis 2000 microviscometer operates according to Hoeppler's falling ball principle, accurately measuring the rolling time of a ball through transparent and opaque liquids. It specialises in low-viscosity samples, delivering critical data like dynamic viscosity, intrinsic viscosity, and polymer molar mass. The instrument's advanced Peltier thermostatting offers rapid and precise temperature control from 5°C to 100°C, and extending down to -30°C with additional counter-cooling. It accommodates viscosities from 0.3 mPa.s to 10,000 mPa.s with an accuracy up to 0.5% and repeatability up to 0.1%.

The accompanying polymer software automatically calculates key parameters such as intrinsic viscosity, K-value, and molar mass. By measuring both the pure solvent and polymer solution and inputting the polymer concentration, it derives the relative viscosity. This serves as the foundation for calculating intrinsic viscosity (e.g. according to Billmeyer, Solomon-Ciuta) which in turn correlates with the polymer solution's average molar mass.

Further, the hardware is also specially designed to improve polymer solution measurements. The instrument’s pivoting measuring head is able to adjust for shear rate. This has been shown to work ideally for shear-thinning solutions like dissolved polymers. Additionally, Lovis 2000's chemical resistance is a significant advantage with regard to corrosive solvents which are often used in polymer analysis. Optionally available components like gold-coated balls, Kalrez O-rings, and PCTFE capillaries enhance the durability when necessary. The system's hermetically sealed design combined with the small sample volume increases safety when testing volatile or toxic samples. The instrument has been effectively employed across a wide array of applications, particularly in the polymer sector. It has demonstrated proficiency with traditional polymers like PE, PET, and PVC, and is equally adept at handling the increasingly important category of biopolymers

This microviscometer isn't just a standalone unit; it can be combined with Anton Paar's DMA M density meter for comprehensive analysis of density, kinematic viscosity, and dynamic viscosity. The option for modular combination with other Anton Paar instruments like the Abbemat refractometer further extends its functionality. And when productivity is a priority, it can also be complemented with the Xsample autosampler for increased throughput and automatic measurement of up to 96 samples.

Lovis 2000 is a gateway to greater efficiency, offering a compact solution for extensive analysis with minimal sample volume, essential for effective quality control in the dynamic world of polymer measurements.

More information online