Micro Epsilon Testing Services

1. Ash Content (ASTM D5630)
   The Ash Content test is used to determine the amount of fillers in a specimen after the polymer has been burned off.
   
   
2. Bulk Density (ASTM D1895B)
   Bulk density is defined as the weight per unit volume of material. Bulk density is primarily used for powders or pellets.
   
   
3. Density & Specific Gravity (ASTM D0792)
   Density is the mass per unit volume of a material. Specific gravity is a measure of the ratio of mass of a given volume of material at 23°C to the same volume of deionized water.
   
   
4. Melt Flow Index (MFI), Melt Flow Rate (MFR) (ASTM D1238, ISO 1133)
   Melt Flow Rate measures the rate of extrusion of thermoplastics through an orifice at a prescribed temperature and load.
   
   
5. Moisture Content (ISO 787/2 at 105oC)
   Moisture content determines the quality of the compound as high moisture can result in fish eyes & defects in blown film applications.
   
   
6. Filter Pressure Test (BS EN 13900-5:2005)
   The pressure filter test is used to determine the degree of dispersion of colorants in thermoplastic polymer.
   

7. Surface Resistivity, Volume Resistivity (ASTM D257):
Surface resistivity is the resistance to leakage current along the surface of an insulating material. Volume resistivity is the resistance to leakage current through the body of an insulating material. The higher the surface/volume resistivity, the lower the leakage current and the less conductive the material is.

Analytical Testing

1. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (ASTM D3417/D3418)
   Using a DSC, the following are commonly found:
   
   Tg = Glass Transition Temperature = The temperature (°C) at which an amorphous polymer or an amorphous part of a crystalline polymer goes from a hard, brittle state to a soft, rubbery state
   
   Tm = Melting point = the temperature (°C) at which a crystalline polymer melts
   
   D Hm = the amount of energy in (joules/gram) a sample absorbs while melting
   
   Tc = Crystallization point = is the temperature at which a polymer crystallizes upon heating
   
   D Hc = the amount of energy (joules/gram) a sample releases while crystallizing
   
   The data can be used to identify materials, differentiate homopolymers from copolymers or to characterize materials for their thermal performance.
   
   
2. Oxidative-Induction Time (ASTM D3895-04)
   OIT is a qualitative assessment of the level (or degree) of oxidative stability of the material tested. The OIT method is performed using a DSC instrument.
   
   
3. TGA (Thermo Gravimetric Analysis) (ASTM E1131, ISO 11358)
   In a Thermo-gravimetric Analysis, the percent weight loss of a test sample is recorded while the sample is being heated at a uniform rate in an appropriate environment. The loss in weight over specific temperature ranges provides an indication of the composition of the sample, including volatiles and inert filler, as well as indications of thermal stability.
   
   
4. FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry) (ASTM D5576)
   FTIR is used for material identification of polymers. It can also be used to examine contaminants and some filler within the polymers.
   
   
5. Color Matching (Internal Testing Method)
   Color matching is used to match adjacent parts molded from different materials or to evaluate color change due to outdoor exposure.
   
   
6. Optical tests (ASTM D1003)
   Optical testing of transparent plastics includes characterization of materials and analysis of optical components. Transmission, haze, reflection and opacity are measured using a spectrophotometer.