Term: inherent viscosity
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.I03033

Definition:
The ratio of the natural logarithm of the relative viscosity, η r, to the mass concentration of the polymer, c, i.e. \[\eta _{\text{inh}}\equiv \eta _{\ln} = \frac{\ln \eta _{\text{r}}}{c}\] The quantity η ln, with which the inherent viscosity is synonymous, is the logarithmic viscosity number.

Notes:
0) The unit must be specified; cm3 g-1 is recommended.
1) These quantities are neither viscosities nor pure numbers. The terms are to be looked on as traditional names. Any replacement by consistent terminology would produce unnecessary confusion in the polymer literature.

Related Terms:
1) relative viscosity (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.R05282).
2) viscosity (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.V06627).

Source: Purple Book, 1st ed., p. 63 (http://old.iupac.org/publications/books/author/metanomski.html)

Citation: 'inherent viscosity' in IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 5th ed. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; 2025. Online version 5.0.0, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.I03033

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