Physicochemical, aesthetic and functional properties

Flow rate index of thermoplastics

Mass (MFR) or volume flow rate (MVR)

The quantity that characterises the flow rate of thermoplastics in the processing steps is the mass flow rate (MFR) or volume flow rate (MVR). MFR and MVR are determined using a load plastometer. The essence of determining the flow index is to measure the average flow speed of the material at established values of the basic parameters (temperature and pressure) of the processing steps.

Determination of the flow coefficient

Determination of the flow rate using Method A: mass flow rate (MFR)

In this method, the extrudate is cut at regular intervals and the weight is then determined using a balance. The result is the extruded mass per unit of time, usually expressed in units of g/10 min.

Determination of the flow coefficient using Method B: volumetric flow rate (MVR)

This method requires the plastometer to be equipped with a piston motion sensor. The MVR result is the volume of extruded material per unit of time and is expressed in units of cm³/10 min. The weight coefficient is determined by the distance travelled by the piston per unit time.

In the photo: ZwickRoell Mflow Plastometer device

Testing standards

• PN-EN ISO 1133
• ASTM D1238
• ASTM D3364

Melting point, crystallization, glass transition, determination of degree of crystallinity

Measurements are conducted using the differential scanning calorimetry method consisting of determination of the amount of heat transferred or intercepted from a given sample, in a time unit needed to maintain identical temperature of the sample and a neutral thermal reference (empty crucible), during heating up or cooling at a constant temperature. The proportionality of the measurement signal to the thermal flux occurring in the DSC enables the direct measurement of thermal capacity and determination of the cp (T) relationship, and thus the quantitative “observation” of the transformation of the sample material based on the shape of the DSC curve. The thermal flux value (dH/dt) depends, above all, on the type of transformation or thermal reaction occurring in the sample, but also on instrumental factors of the measurement.

Equipment

• The laboratory possesses a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC):
  • TA Instruments model Q2000
  • equipment temperature range: from -90°C to 550°C
  • cooling module (intracooler) RCS (without using liquid nitrogen)

Testing standards

• ASTM D3418
• ASTM E1356
• PN-EN ISO 11357-1
• ISO 11357-2
• ISO 11357-3

Customer standards

• VW, Renault, PSA, Ford and others

Heat resistance

Deflection under load (HDT)

Determination of temperature of deflection under load (up to 300°C).

HDT (Heat Deflection Temperature) refers to the temperature at which the material under test is deformed by the application of a certain force to the sample, according to test procedures.

Equipment

• Coesfeld Vicat/HDT test device

Testing standards

• PN-EN ISO 75-1
• PN-EN ISO 75-2

Vicata softening temperature (up to 300°C)

• Determination of Vicata softening temperature (up to 300°C)

Equipment

• Coesfeld Vicat/ HDT test device

Testing standards

• PN-EN ISO 306

Plastic and rubber density

A sample hung on a wire is weighed with a specified accuracy. Then, the still hanging sample is submerged in an immersive liquid in an immersion beaker placed on the supporting device. The immersed sample is weighed with a specified accuracy. Knowing the sample mass determined in air and in water, the balance automatically determines the density.

Testing standards

• PN-EN ISO 1183-1, method A – Nonporous plastic density determination methods
• ISO 2781, method B – Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic, density determination.

Equipment

• analytical balance with density determination adapter

Determination of coating/coating thickness on the base material of the test object or reference plates by magnetic, eddy current, microscopic methods.

Equipment

• The laboratory has an Fischer coating thickness meter, along with a range of probes differentiated by application.

Testing standards (examples)

• ISO 3543
• ISO 2178
• ISO 2361
• ISO 2360
• ISO 1463
• ISO 2808
• ASTM B764

Customer standards

• Ford, CEVT, Volvo, VW, Renault, GMW, PSA, Audi, BMW, Daimler, Chrysler, Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Kia, Fiat, Jaguar, Rover, as well as others

Material discontinuities – non-destructive tests

• Connecting elements’ thread discontinuities according to PN-EN 26157-3.
• Connecting elements’ surface discontinuities, namely: bolts, nuts (from M5 to M22), screws and washers according to PN-EN ISO 6157-2 and PN-EN 26157-1.
• Material surface discontinuities using MT magnetic-powder method according to in-house test procedure BOSMAL/I-7-08.

Coating flexibility

Determination of the flexibility of a coating by the mandrel bending method. The coating flexibility test can also be performed following a given ageing or corrosion test.

Testing standards (examples)

• ISO 1519

Coating adhesion

Cross-cut method

The resistance of various types of coatings to delamination from the substrate (i.e. the base material of the test object) is tested by means of cutting the coating in a specified way. The coating adhesion test can also be performed following a certain ageing or corrosion test.

Equipment

• The laboratory has a range of single- and multi-blade knives that meet specific customer requirements.

Testing standards (examples)

• ISO 2409
• ASTM D3359

Customer standards

• Ford, CEVT, Volvo, VW, Renault, GMW, PSA, Audi, BMW, Daimler, Chrysler, Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Kia, Fiat, Jaguar, Rover, as well as others

Product impact resistance tests

Reference samples or entire test objects are subjected to impact tests by various standardised methods to determine the type of damage and to determine the impact of the resulting damage on the functionality of the component and/or its coating.

Examples of test methods:

• falling weight method, with a weight of specified dimensions and mass falling from a suitable height,
• single impact method with a guided striking element,
• hitting (shooting) method with stones/shot of specified dimensions, mass and pressure,
• dynamic ball impact method with a specified force (Pistol test),
• and other tests, e.g. hail or ice block impact tests.

Equipment

• Erichsen Impact Testing Device – Model 305 (range: 0-90 N)
• The laboratory has a range of weights of specific weights, shapes and sizes to meet various customer requirements.
• A mobile stone/shot impact (shooting) device to meet various customer requirements, along with the ability to adapt the device to new requirements.
• Others – descriptions and photos below.

Testing standards

• ISO 6272-1
• ISO 20567-1
• ISO 20567-2
• ISO 4532
• DIN 55996-1

Customer standards

• Ford, CEVT, Volvo, VW, Renault, GMW, PSA, Audi, BMW, Daimler, Chrysler, Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Kia, Fiat, Jaguar, Rover

Single impact method

Reference samples or entire test objects are subjected to impact testing by a single impact method guided by an impact element in accordance with ISO 20567-2.

Erichsen Impact Testing Device – Model 305 (range: 0-90 N)

Multi-impact test

Hitting (shooting) method with stones/shot of specified dimensions, mass and pressure, according to ISO 20567-1 and DIN 55996-1.

Pistol test

Dynamic ball impact method with a specified force, according to ISO 4532

Tests for resistance to hail or ice block impact

For several years, we have been vigorously developing tests in the field of railroad components and have introduced tests according to the PN-EN 50125-3 standard into our scope of accreditation.

We carry out hail or ice block impact resistance tests using a pneumatic cannon. Our air cannon, depending on the configuration and customer requirements, can shoot single shot (or other small objects) as well as lumps of ice (ice balls) weighing up to several kilograms and at speeds of up to about 300 km/h.

Testing standards

• PN-EN 50125-3: 2003-10 p. 4.3; 4.4; 4.5; 4.6; 4.7; 4.8; 4.9; 4.13
• BOSMAL/I-7-106/01

Coating resistance to abrasion and scratches

Abrasion resistance – Martindale test

Martindale Abrasion & Piling Tester

The Martindale test is a simulation of long-term use of fabrics, which allows determination of their resistance to abrasion. The principle of the Martindale test is that samples are rubbed against a standard abrasive in a constantly changing pattern that ensures that the surface fibres of the samples are bent in every direction.

Testing standards

• ISO 12945-2
• ISO 12947 1-4
• ASTM D4966

Simulation of rubbing with fingers – TRIBOTOUCH device

The TRIBOTOUCH device is used to simulate rubbing with fingers (including fingernails, shoe soles) on any surface. In addition to purely mechanical loading, the corresponding chemical environment can also be simulated. Various tests can be performed using different tips and settings.

• Abrasion of markings and inscriptions by erasing them with fingers and hands – PN-EN 60068-2-70
• Nail test – GS 97034-2
• Shoe sole test – GS 97034-3
• Variable shoe sole test – GS 97034-11

Scratch resistance – Taber Multi-Finger Tester

The Taber Multi-Finger Scratch/Mar Tester is used to measure the resistance or susceptibility of a material surface to scratching, damage, gouging, scraping, engraving and other similar physical damage that is not classified as normal wear and tear.

Scratch resistance – Erichsen scratch resistance tester

The Erichsen Scratch Tester allows you to make precise scratches at intervals of up to 0.5 mm. It also has the ability to imitate damage, e.g. scratching with a coin.

Testing standards

• PV 3974
• PV 3952
• TPJLR.52.008
• GS 97034-8

Abrasion test apparatuses – Linear abrasion resistance tester – Taber Linear Abraser – Model 5750

The apparatus is designed to test the resistance of materials and products to surface abrasion and to assess the relative strength or susceptibility of the material surface to physical damage such as wear and abrasion, scratching, gouging, scratching, abrasion, color transfer (usually called color fastness) and others.

The linear abrasion tester can be used for both dry and wet tests. It is designed to test samples of virtually any size and shape.

Testing standards

• ISO 105-X12
• PV 3906
• D42 1775
• AA-0134

Abrasion test apparatuses – Rotational abrasion tester – Taber Abraser – Model 5135

It is a device designed for accelerated material wear tests. The test consists in mounting a flat sample on a movable platform, which rotates around its axis at a given speed. Two abrasive discs are lowered onto the surface of the test sample and pressed with appropriate force. The wheels turn in opposite directions and make a full circle on the surface of the sample. This system allows the abrasion resistance of the material to be tested in every direction, regardless of the structure, weave or grain pattern in the material.

Testing standards

• ISO 15082
• ISO 7784-2
• ISO 5470-1
• ISO 10074
• SAE J365
• DIN 53754

Abrasion resistance evaluation – Schopper method – Schopper abrasion tester

A popular method for assessing abrasion resistance. This method is tested for textile products.

Test parameters

• sample curvature,
• abrasion surface,
• emphasis,
• abrasive material,
• number of cycles

Testing standards

• PV 3908
• DIN 53863-2
• GME 60345

Laboratory Car Wash – simulation of conditions in an automatic car wash

The Institute has a stand that recreates the conditions in an automatic car wash. Using our Laboratory Car Wash, we can simulate the conditions that car paints and other surfaces are subjected to in automatic car washes.

Testing standards (examples)

• PN-EN ISO 20566
• AA 0054
• PV 3.3.3

Test Methods for Abrasion Resistance of Coatings by Falling Abrasive

Determination of the resistance of a coating to abrasion by the free falling abrasive material method.

Equipment

• The laboratory has abrasive materials (e.g. corundum, abrasive iron, etc.) that meet various customer requirements.

Testing standards (examples)

• ISO 7784-1
• GMW15487
• FIAT 50488

Flammability

We perform flammability tests in several flammability chambers and according to various testing standards.

1. UL 94 V-0, V-1, V-2 flammability class

These classifications refer to the vertical positioning of the test specimens. Materials are classified on the basis of the burning time, dripping of the material and possible ignition of the cotton placed below the sample.

2. UL 94 HB flammability class

HB stands for Horizontal Burning. Materials are classified as HB if the rate of combustion does not exceed the specified value when the specimen is placed horizontally. HB means that the material burns at the specified rate in the horizontal direction.

3. UL 94 5VA, 5VB flammability class

These classifications refer to more rigorous tests where the specimens are exposed to five flame cycles, each lasting five seconds.

Wazau horizontal flammability test chamber

The test stand makes it possible to determine the burning rate of a sample subjected to a low-energy flame for 15 s.
The test sample is kept in a horizontal position using a U-shape mount for 15 seconds and is exposed to a low energy flame affecting its free end. The test determines if and when the flame extinguishes, or the burning time of a measured length of the sample.

Testing standards

• PN-ISO 3795
• UNECE Regulation No. 118, Series 02 Rev.2/Add.117/Rev.1/Amend.1
• DIN 75200
• FMVSS 302
• VCS 5031,19
• MS 300-08
• GS 97038
• GBT 8410
• and others

Equipment

• Wazau BKF flammability test chamber

Wazau vertical flammability test chamber

This test consists of exposing material samples vertically to the flame of a standard gas burner and determining the speed of flame propagation. The times of flame travel between control threads placed at the surface of the sample at three distances from the ignition source are measured.

Testing standards

ECE R118 Annex 8
ISO 6941

Equipment

• Wazau flammability test chamber

Other material tests not described in other sections

Air permeability testing of flat materials

Testing of air permeability through various types of flat materials including:

• plastic films,
• fabrics,
• knitted fabrics,
• nonwovens,
• paper and paper products such as filters,
• foams and other products.

Equipment

• Textest AG FX 3300 air permeability tester