Polymers are materials made of long, repeating chains of molecules. They possess unique characteristics which depend upon the type of molecules that are bonded and the way in which they are bonded. Some polymers stretch and bend like polyester and rubber, whereas others are hard and tough like epoxies.
Polymers can be found in almost every part of the modern world. Films, foams, adhesives, coatings, rubbers, composites, textiles, and fibers are just a few examples. Their applications are both functional and cosmetic, but they must be fit for purpose wherever and however they are employed. The measuring of mechanical characteristics is crucial to their research and development and quality control processes. Many polymers are employed in engineering materials, but natural polymers in foods (such as gluten, pectin, or gelatin), wood, paper, and other materials must also be examined to the same level.
Researchers perform physical testing on polymers or polymer-containing goods in development to evaluate if their materials match specified standards for attributes such as hardness or temperature tolerance. Polymers are tested on these same properties by manufacturers to guarantee that raw materials or final goods match the prescribed requirements.
What are the tests conducted?
Polymer materials can be subjected to multiple types of tests to assess their qualities and features. Among the most common polymer material testing are:
1. Tensile testing: This test measures the strength of a polymer material by subjecting it to tension until it breaks.
2. Impact testing: This test measures the ability of a polymer material to absorb sudden shocks or impacts.
3. Hardness testing: This test measures the resistance of a polymer material to indentation or scratching.
4. Thermal analysis: This test measures the behavior of a polymer material under different temperature conditions.
5. Flammability testing: This test measures the ability of a polymer material to resist ignition and combustion.
6. Chemical resistance testing: This test measures the ability of a polymer material to resist damage or degradation caused by exposure to chemicals.
7. UV testing: This test measures the ability of a polymer material to resist damage or degradation caused by exposure to UV light.
8. Water absorption testing: This test measures the ability of a polymer material to absorb water and how this affects its properties.
9. Rheology testing: This test measures the flow behavior of a polymer material under different conditions, such as temperature and shear rate.
Polymer analysis and testing use both physical and analytical approaches to validate a polymeric material's chemical, mechanical, and thermal properties. These qualities are critical in ensuring that the polymer part performs as expected by the end user.
Maeon Laboratories is specialized in polymer material testing, and tests the mechanical properties of polymers to verify that they are reliable and suitable for the purpose, regardless of their use. Whether you require routine testing or R&D support, you can trust that the results you receive from maeon labs will be accurate and thorough the first time, every time.
