This test method is useful for the characterization of thermoplastics and thermoplastic compounds, in terms of viscosity, or resistance to flow.

The data produced by this test method has been found useful in both quality-control testing and compound development. However, direct correlation with factory conditions is not implied.

Flow-performance data permits quality control of incoming thermoplastics and thermoplastic compounds because the flow parameters are sensitive to molecular weight and molecular-weight distribution. Therefore, this test method may distinguish differences between lots.

The shear viscosity or flow viscosity of thermoplastics and thermoplastic compounds will not only be sensitive to the raw-polymer molecular properties, but will also be affected by the type and amount of filler, additive, plasticizer, or stabilizer, by the type of copolymer blend, and by the addition of other compounding materials. This test method can serve as a quality-control tool for either incoming materials or for in-house quality-assurance checks on production mixing. This test method is useful to the research and development of new products in that the rheological behavior of a yet uncharacterized thermoplastic or thermoplastic compound can be measured and considered for comparative analysis.