Our ISO 17025 accredited laboratories are equipped to conduct a wide array of evaluations that support research and development initiatives, meet stringent regulatory requirements, and facilitate original equipment manufacturer (OEM) submissions.

Beyond standard testing, we specialize in developing customized programs that combine established methods or innovate new approaches to precisely evaluate polymer, rubber, and plastic material suitability for specific, demanding applications. Our services include meticulous sample preparation, encompassing molding and forming test specimens from various states—including granules, powder, or direct extraction from finished products.

Our expertise spans a broad spectrum of polymer properties, categorized to address every facet of material performance for rubber and plastic applications:

Mechanical Properties Testing

Mechanical properties define a polymer's response to applied forces, crucial for predicting the performance of rubber and plastic components under stress. Our testing determines how these materials withstand deformation, fracture, and fatigue, ensuring structural integrity and long-term functionality. Key mechanical tests for rubbers and plastics include:

• Tensile, Compression, and Flexural Testing: Evaluating strength, stiffness, and elasticity of polymers under various loading conditions.
• Tear and Puncture Resistance: Assessing a rubber or plastic material's resistance to propagation of a tear or penetration by a sharp object.
• Hardness and Abrasion Resistance: Measuring the surface resistance of polymeric materials to indentation and wear, vital for durability in contact applications.
• Fatigue and Creep Testing: Analyzing polymer degradation under cyclic loading and long-term deformation under constant stress, respectively.
• Resilience Testing: Determining a rubber or plastic material's elasticity and ability to recover energy after deformation, critical for dynamic applications.

Thermal Properties Testing

Understanding how polymeric materials behave across different temperatures is critical for application success, particularly for both rubber and plastic products. Our thermal analysis techniques identify critical transition temperatures and stability characteristics. This includes:

• Glass Transition Temperature (Tg): Identifying the temperature at which amorphous polymers (including many plastics and some rubbers) transition from a rigid to a more pliable state.
• Heat Buildup and Low-Temperature Properties: Assessing the thermal stability of rubbers and plastics under dynamic stress and their performance in cold environments.
• Crystallization Properties: Analyzing the kinetics and extent of crystallization in semi-crystalline polymers, common in many plastics.
• Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC): Quantifying thermal transitions such as melting, crystallization, and glass transition in various polymers.
• Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA): Measuring weight loss of rubber or plastic materials as a function of temperature, indicating thermal stability and composition.
• Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA): Characterizing the viscoelastic properties of polymers as a function of temperature, time, and frequency, highly relevant for rubber and plastic product design.

Electrical Properties Testing

For applications requiring specific electrical insulation or conductivity, precise measurement of electrical properties is essential. Our testing ensures materials meet stringent electrical performance criteria. This encompasses:

• Resistivity (Volume and Surface): Measuring a polymeric material's resistance to electrical current flow.
• Dielectric Strength: Determining the maximum electric field a rubber or plastic material can withstand without electrical breakdown.

Physical Properties Testing

Fundamental physical characteristics determine all other material behaviors for polymers. Our testing provides baseline data for material identification, quality control, and further property analysis. These tests include:

• Density: Measuring mass per unit volume, a critical parameter for polymer material specification and quality control.
• Moisture Content: Determining the amount of water present in a polymeric material, which can significantly affect its performance.
• Volume Swell: Assessing the expansion of materials due to absorption of liquids or gases.
• Optical and Color Properties: Evaluating aspects such as transparency, opacity, and color accuracy, important for aesthetic and functional requirements of plastic products.