accredited testing laboratory for polymers and rubber · accredited testing laboratory for polymers...

Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports DDPS

Federal Office for Civil Protection FOCP

SPIEZ LABORATORY

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November 2017

Accredited Testing Laboratory for Polymers and Rubber

Overview of Services

Federal Office for Civil Protection FOCP

SPIEZ LABORATORY, CH-3700 Spiez

Tel. +41 58 468 14 00, Fax +41 58 468 14 02

[email protected]

http://www.labor-spiez.ch

Persons of Contact:

Thomas Friedrich Regula Gosteli Manuela Merz

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Tel. +41 58 468 18 20 Tel. +41 58 468 16 31 Tel. +41 58 484 26 28

http://www.labor-spiez.ch/

Testing Laboratory for Polymers and Rubber STS 0036

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Table of Contents

1. Fields of Activity .............................................................................................................. 3

2. Test Methods on Offer ..................................................................................................... 4

2.1. Preparation of Test Samples ........................................................................................... 4

2.2. Mechanical-Physical Testing ........................................................................................... 5

2.3. Chemical-Analytical Testing ............................................................................................ 6

2.4. Investigation of Ageing Behaviour/Resistance to Environmental Conditions ................... 7

2.5. Resistance to Chemicals ................................................................................................. 7

2.6. Verification of Processing Quality .................................................................................... 8

2.7. Flammability Tests .......................................................................................................... 9

2.8. Colorimetry ................................................................................................................... 10

2.9. Resistance to Chemical Warfare Agents ....................................................................... 11

3. Scope of Accreditation .................................................................................................. 12


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1. Fields of Activity

The Materials Testing Group of SPIEZ LABORATORY conducts an Accredited Testing Labora-

tory (STS 0036) according to ISO 17025. It is a dedicated laboratory for testing of polymer mate-

rials such as thermoplastics, thermoplastic elastomers, thermosets and elastomers. As a special

field the laboratory offers testing of plastics, elastomers and textiles for resistance to chemical

warfare agents.

The main task of the Testing Laboratory STS 0036 is the provision of services in the field of

polymer materials to internal and external customers as follows:

Consulting services regarding application of materials

Investigation of damage cases

Quality assurance

Our most important goal is to provide conclusive and practice-oriented answers in due time to

the customers questions concerning polymer materials. This is achieved by the qualified and

experienced staff on one hand and by the available wide-ranging test equipment on the other

hand. Our work is regularly observed by the Swiss Accreditation Service SAS including experts

of the relevant industry. This provides a high degree of confidence in our test results.

The scope of testing services can be subdivided into the following areas:

Production of standard test specimens

Mechanical-physical testing

Chemical-analytical testing

Determination of the ageing behaviour/simulation of environmental influences

Investigation of the resistance to various substances and chemicals

Testing for optimal processing quality

Tests for flammability

Colour measurements

Testing for resistance to chemical warfare agents

We are contracted by external customers of various industries such as general mechanical en-

gineering, medical, electrical, solar, appliances as well as producers and processors of the plas-

tics industry within Switzerland and in foreign countries.

Contracts from internal customers comprise testing during evaluation and procurement of

equipment by the armasuisse, type testing of equipment for protection shelters for the Federal

Department for Civil Protection (FOCP) or testing for other Federal Departments.


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2. Test Methods on Offer

2.1. Preparation of Test Samples

The materials to be tested are usually delivered by our customers in various shapes such as

complete form parts, semi-finished products and raw materials. From these items we prepare

standard test specimens using appropriate machines and tools.

Form parts and semi-finished products made of soft thermoplastics, thermoplastic elastom-

ers and elastomers can be cut into plates/sheets/stripes down to a thickness of 0.5 mm with

a special cleaving machine.

A comprehensive set of die-cutting tools allows a simple and quick preparation of various

standard test specimens such as dumb bells, stripes, rings and discs.

Fig. 1: Die-cutting Tools for Preparation of Standard Test Specimens

Our well equipped work shop with precise milling machines and lathes allows machining

tasks such as notching of impact test samples.

In cooperation with the “Kunststoff Interlaken AG” company

we can offer the production of standard tensile test speci-

mens and plates 2 x 150 x 150 mm by injection moulding.

Fig. 2: Injection Moulding of Tensile Test Specimens


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2.2. Mechanical-Physical Testing

Test Equipment Test Parameter

Universal Testing Machines Tensile, compression and bending tests up to 20 kN

Test speeds up to 1000 mm/min

Temperature range from - 80 to 150 °C

Elongation/strain up to 1500 mm

Impact Testing Machines Notched and un-notched impact bending tests

Charpy-Pendulums: 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 7.5, 15, 25 and 50 J

Izod-Pendulums: 1, 2.75 and 5.5 J

Hardness Shore A, Shore D, IRHD, ball indention hardness

Elmendorf Tear Resistance Forces up to 64’000 mN

Abrasion Resistance Rotating drum

Rebound Resilience Basic dynamic testing of elastomers (elasticity, damping)

Fig. 4: Impact Pendulum

Fig. 3: Tensile Testing Machine

Fig. 5: Abrasion Resistance (Drum) Fig. 6: Tear Resistance Pendulum


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2.3. Chemical-Analytical Testing

Thermal analyses are powerful test methods providing

significant information for the characterization of polymer

materials. Differential Scanning Calorimetry DSC reveals

glass transition temperatures as well as peak tempera-

tures and enthalpy of melting and crystallization process-

es. The effectiveness of stabilizers against thermal in-

duced oxidation can be investigated by measurement of

the Oxidation Induction Time and Temperature OIT.

Fig. 7: Thermal Analysis DSC

Thermogravimetric Analysis TGA is

used to determine the composition of

elastomer compounds as well as the

rubber type the compound is based

on. The example in Fig. 8 shows that

the analyzed elastomer compound is

based on EPDM containing 4 % plas-

ticizers, 50 % rubber, 40 % carbon

black and 6 % inorganic residuals.

Fig. 8: Compositional Analysis of Elastomer Compound by TGA

Fourier-Transformation-Infrared-Spectroscopy FTIR allows the identification of unknown ma-

terials within short time by comparison of the response spectra with those from a compre-

hensive library of known materials. By means of an FTIR-Microscope small areas can be

scanned and identified such as inclusions in form parts.

Fig. 9: Infrared Spectroscope FTIR

with Microscope

PW-2014-0017 GG Muster 1

3800 3600 3400 3200 3000 2800 2600 2400 2200 2000 1800 1600 1400 1200 1000 800 600

0.45

0.40

0.35

0.30

0.25

0.20

0.15

0.10

0.05

0.00

Wavenumber

Absorb

ance

----- Spectrum of Sample Material

----- Spectrum of Library


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2.4. Investigation of Ageing Behaviour/Resistance to Environmental Conditions

To simulate and accelerate the effect of long term thermo-oxidative and physical degradation

material samples are stored at elevated temperatures.

In the weathering test chamber material samples are exposed to UV radiation for simula-

tion/acceleration of the photo-oxidative degradation. For outdoor applications the samples

are additionally exposed to cyclic rain.

Relevant material properties of samples in new condition are compared with those of sam-

ples which have been artificially aged. With this approach the service life time can be pre-

dicted i.e. an assessment of the resistance to environmental conditions can be made.

Fig. 10: Weathering Test Chamber Fig. 11: Ozone Test Chamber

Climatic chambers are used for alternating climate tests in order to verify the adhesion of

coatings and paintings.

An ozone test chamber is used to verify the long term stability of elastomers. Material speci-

mens in pre-deformed state are subjected to an environment with elevated ozone concentra-

tions. Afterwards the test specimens are visually inspected for cracks.

2.5. Resistance to Chemicals

For testing of the resistance against lubri-

cants, cleaning agents, various chemicals

etc. material samples are immersed in the

relevant substances for a specified period

of time, if necessary also at elevated

temperatures. Measurement of significant

material properties before and after expo-

sure allows the assessment if a material

is suitable for the application in mind.

Fig. 12: Degradation due to Exposure to Chemicals


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2.6. Verification of Processing Quality

During production of form parts and semi-finished products from thermoplastic polymers it

has to be ensured that the processing quality is optimal, i.e. that the polymer did not experi-

ence degradation due to shear stress and heat and during injection moulding. Determination

of the molecular weight is preferably done by measurement of the melt flow rates MFR and

MVR or by dilute solution viscosity.

Fig. 13: Melt Flow Measurement MFR

Elastomers must be well cross-linked in order to fulfill the designated function under operational conditions for an extended period of time. The degree of cross-linking is verified by measurement of the compression set.

Fig. 14: Compression Set Measurement Devices


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2.7. Flammability Tests

Requirements regarding flammability of materials have to be fulfilled in a wide range of appli-cations. Our laboratory offers flammability tests according to UL 94 as well as DIN 75200.

Classification UL 94 Application

HB, HB-40, HB-75 Determination of linear horizontal burning rate

V-0, V-1, V-2 self-extinguishing materials, vertical burning test

VTM-0, VTM-1, VTM-2 in analogy to V-0, V-1, V-2 for thin materials (t 0.025 mm)

5VA, 5VB non-burning and self-extinguishing materials

HBF, HF-1 und HF-2 foams for non-structural applications, horizontal burning test

Fig. 15: Vertical Flammability Test UL 94 V-2

Tests according to DIN 75200 are performed to determine horizontal burning rates of interior

materials in motor vehicles.

Fig. 16: Sample Dimensions and Test Chamber for Flammability Tests DIN 75200


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2.8. Colorimetry

Our laboratory offers measurements of CIE color coordinates L*, a* und b* using the 45/0

measurement geometry. Of major interest are color differences i.e. fading of colors due to

artificial weathering under UV radiation. Colour differences are characterized by the parame-

ters ΔE*, ΔL*, Δa* und Δb*.

Fig. 17: CIE L*a*b*-System

Fig. 18: Color Measurement Device


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2.9. Resistance to Chemical Warfare Agents

Materials used for NBC protection equipment such as suits, masks, gloves, boots etc. are

tested for resistance to penetration of chemical warfare agents by means of a fully automatic

testing machine. Breakthrough of the warfare agent is detected either by means of change in

electrical conductivity of water or by discoloration of an indicator paper.

Fig. 19: Machine for Testing of Resistance to Chemical Warfare Agents

Fig. 20: Laid Drops of C-Warfare Agent, 4 x 4 l


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3. Scope of Accreditation

The list of the accredited test methods can be found by entering the term STS 0036 in the

search mask of the Swiss Accreditation Service under the following link:

https://www.sas.admin.ch/sas/de/home/akkreditiertestellen/akkrstellensuchesas.html

Fig. 21: Accreditation Certificate

https://www.sas.admin.ch/sas/de/home/akkreditiertestellen/akkrstellensuchesas.html

accredited testing laboratory for polymers and rubber · accredited testing laboratory for polymers...

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