Polymer TestingAdded Convenience for Aerospace, Military, Medical & Other Industries
Laboratory Testing Inc. continues to expand its line of materials testing services with polymer testing, including testing of plastics and rubber. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Hardness Testing and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) are provided for certification of polymeric materials. Known for over 25 years as a specialist in metals testing, LTI has seen the increased need for polymers testing for the aerospace, military, medical and other industries that we have serviced for years. Expansion into polymer testing is a natural progression for our materials testing lab and a convenience for many customers.
-
FTIR Analysis
FTIR 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. FTIR analysis compliments the wide-range of instrumental and wet chemistry services performed at LTI for metals, powdered metals, ores, ferroalloys, composites and ceramics.
-
Hardness Testing
The hardness of polymers is measured by the Shore Durometer Test at LTI, in accordance with ASTM D2240. This method determines a material’s hardness value or resistance to indentation by penetration of an indenter into the test sample. Because the flexibility of polymers varies, LTI is equipped with various indenters to use for testing different types of materials from elastomers to rigid plastics.
-
SEM Analysis
Magnification and digital imaging capabilities provided by our scanning electron microscope assist in failure analysis and determination of properties for polymers, metals and other materials. The SEM produces high resolution images at magnifications from 5x to 300,000x to aid in fractography, chemical attack, and particulate evaluation.
Social Media Links