Polymer Testing Compliments Metal Testing Services
The range of materials testing services performed by Laboratory Testing Inc. has grown with the addition of Hardness Testing, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) for testing polymers such as plastic and rubber. These services complement the laboratory’s full-service metals testing capabilities and our materials analysis services that are also available for powdered metals, ores, ferroalloys, composites and ceramics.
The need for testing polymeric materials continues to grow as many industries, including aerospace, military and medical, continue to look for stronger, more reliable and less expensive materials to use in their component parts and devices. Laboratory Testing Inc. works with many customers in these industries, therefore, expansion into polymer testing was a convenient addition to our “one-stop” laboratory’s materials testing services. The services currently available provide information on material properties, characteristics and composition.
Scanning Electron Microscopy
Scanning electron microscopy or SEM analysis uses magnification and digital imaging to assist in evaluating polymers, metals and other materials for failure analysis, properties and characteristics. The SEM produces high resolution images at magnifications from 5x to 300,000x to aid in tests such as fractography, chemical attack, and particulate evaluation.
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
FTIR analysis is an analytical technique used to identify organic, and in some cases, inorganic materials. The spectrometer used in FTIR analysis creates an absorption spectra with absorbance peaks that provide information about the chemical bonds and molecular structure of the test material. The data can be used to identify the general type of material under analysis by comparing the analytical spectrum with cataloged reference spectra to identify base polymers and additives.
Hardness Testing
LTI measures the hardness of polymers using the Shore Durometer Test to ASTM D2240. A material’s hardness is determined by its resistance to indentation when an indenter in the equipment penetrates the test sample. A variety of indenters are used when testing different types of materials from elastomers to rigid plastics.
More information on polymer testing is available from our Sales/Customer Service Department at sales@labtesting.com or 800-219-9095.
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