What's the Difference Between Viscosity and Intrinsic Viscosity

Dynisco Subject Matter Experts

08.07.2023

Fluid dynamics is a subdiscipline of physics concerned with liquid and gas flow. It differs from other branches of fluid mechanics in that it deals with fluids in motion. In physics, a fluid is any substance with zero resistance to shear force. This means any applied stress causes persistent deformation. Two intertwined concepts underlie this behavior: viscosity and intrinsic viscosity. Viscosity serves as a gauge of a fluid's resistance to flow, whereas intrinsic viscosity is a specialized measure that elucidates the flow behavior of polymer solutions, offering valuable insights into the molecular weight and size of the polymer chains. This article will delve into the nuances distinguishing these two concepts with precision and authority.

Understanding Viscosity

Viscosity, symbolized as "η", stands as a critical metric of a fluid's resistance to flow, quantifying the internal friction within a fluid and thereby defining its "thickness" or "stickiness". This property is foundational to comprehending fluid behavior, with factors such as temperature, pressure,  molecular structure,etc playing significant roles in its determination. Viscosity is quantified in units of pascal-seconds (Pa·s) or poise (P), underscoring its scientific importance.

The Concept of Intrinsic Viscosity

Intrinsic viscosity is a critical parameter in polymer and protein studies. It relates to the flow behavior of colloidal suspensions. More precisely: intrinsic viscosity refers to the amount of liquid a material can hold per unit weight, and how much that material is contributing to the overall solution’s viscosity. This is a measure of the internal friction within a polymer molecule, and is  measured in units of deciliters per gram (dL/g) or milliliters per gram (mL/g). Intrinsic viscosity offers valuable insights into the molecular weight and size & branching of polymer chains. 

Key Differences Between Viscosity and Intrinsic Viscosity

1. Definition: Viscosity measures a fluid's resistance to flow, while intrinsic viscosity measures the flow behavior of polymer solutions.
2. Scope: Viscosity applies to all fluids, including both Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids. In contrast, intrinsic viscosity specifically relates to polymer solutions.
3. Units: Viscosity is measured in pascal-seconds (Pa·s) or poise (P), while intrinsic viscosity is measured in deciliters per gram (dL/g) or milliliters per gram (mL/g).
4. Information Provided: Viscosity provides insights into a fluid's behavior, influenced by factors such as temperature and pressure. Intrinsic viscosity provides information about the molecular weight and size of polymer chains in a solution.

Understanding the difference between viscosity and intrinsic viscosity is crucial for scientists and researchers working with fluids and polymers. By considering these concepts, they can make informed decisions and predictions about fluid behavior, polymer processing, and material properties.

The Importance of Understanding Viscosity and Intrinsic Viscosity

Viscosity and intrinsic viscosity are related but distinct. The former characterizes a fluid's resistance to flow, while the latter provides insights into flow behavior of polymers in solutions. Both are central to fluid dynamics and polymer science. Studying each of these properties can provide a great depth of insight into various fields of science and engineering.

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Are you interested in learning more about fluid dynamics and polymer science? Contact us at Dynisco to explore our range of products and solutions tailored to these areas of study. Together, we can drive advancements in science and engineering.