Polymer Testing

Polymers have become a crucial part of our lives and most of the things around us are made up of polymers. Due to the increased usage of polymers, they need to be tested for quality as the toxicity caused by polymer and plastic can be hazardous. Physical and mechanical testing of polymers targets on the testing, analysis and characterization of polymer materials, including both synthetic and natural or bio-based polymers.

Polymer Testing ensures that material complies with industry specifications applicable to industries such as aerospace, automotive, consumer, medical and defence amongst others. Identifying the capabilities and limitations of a material is of high priority to suppliers, manufacturers and product developers on every level of the polymer industry supply chain. Polymer testing helps to perceive product efficiency to withstand different environmental conditions, resistance against rough handling and also to determine shelf life of the product.

WHY IS POLYMER TESTING IMPORTANT?

Helps raw material suppliers and product developers to understand the properties of their products

Supports the companies to comply with product performance specifications

Allows the developers to introduce stronger quality control system

Provides valuable data when conducting failure analysis investigation and supports in potential litigation

SERVICES PROVIDED

Elemental and chemical analysis: Used to identify basic structural information and also to provide guidance on additives and other substances present.

Thermal analysis: Thermal techniques like DSC, DMTA, TMA, TGA, HDT and Vicat softening point are used to reveal detailed understanding of polymer formulations, thermal behaviors and applications.

Mechanical testing: Density, tensile and flexural strength, falling weight impact, shear and compressive properties are assessed.

Ageing testing: Use of aggravated conditions of heat, humidity, oxygen, sunlight, etc. to help determine the long-term effects of stress within a shorter time and to estimate the useful lifespan of a product.

Physical testing: Includes dimensional analysis of the material, measuring material strength under a tensile load, determination of density and specific gravity of the material, etc.

Microscopy testing: Studies the micro and nano-structural characteristics of polymers to obtain chemical and physical information about structural features of polymers.

Optical testing: Properties such as color, haze, gloss and clarity are covered.

Rheological testing: Rheological properties including capillary, rotational, Melt Flow Index (MFI), Melt Flow Rate (MFR) and Dilute Solution Viscosity (DSV) are tested to analyze the internal responses of materials under the influence of imposed stress.

Accelerated weathering testing: Helps to predict the relative durability of materials exposed to certain weather conditions. The test includes UV, humidity, temperature, repeated sterilization and environment impact.

Testing the barrier performance, flammability, electrical and adhesion properties, failure analysis, support in research, design and quality control are the additional services offered for all types of polymer materials and applications.  Spectrophotometry, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis , Thermomechanical Analysis, Thermogravimetric Analysis and Heat Distortion Temperature are some of the most relevant techniques used in our laboratory. Rapid and accurate results on material properties in all stages of product development are provided using industry specific methods.