Physical and Mechanical Testing of Polymers

The physical and mechanical testing of polymers is a vital part of the product development and production process. Mechanical, thermal, optical, rheological behaviour and climate testing allow the developers to better understand their product, and introduce stronger quality control.
 
Physical and mechanical testing of polymers ensures that material complies with industry specifications. This applies to aerospace, automotive, consumer, medical and defence industries, amongst others. With the vast array of product types and additives available, understanding the capabilities and limitations of a material is a key concern to suppliers, manufacturers and product developers on every level of the polymer industry supply chain.
 
Physical testing can help raw material suppliers and manufacturers to determine the properties of their products through Intertek’s vast range of testing methods. Knowing when to apply the most relevant technique to obtain the data needed requires specialist insight, knowledge and experience. When a material or additive does not meet the user’s specifications, expert interpretation and advice are highly required.
 
As a one-source solution provider, the breadth of Intertek’s physical and mechanical testing capabilities are vast and includes ASTM, ISO, BS or DIN standards using industry specific methods. Intertek experts can develop customer specific protocols and methods as required.  Our ISO 17025 (registration number L377) compliant laboratory services support large research and design projects, quality control, research and development, problem-solving together with failure analysis for advanced materials and products.
 
Our polymer physical and mechanical testing services include: 

• Mechanical testing including tensile, flexural, shear and compressive properties
• Physical testing including density, hardness and scratch resistance
• Thermal testing including DSC, DMTA,TMA, TGA, HDT  and Vicat Softening Points
• Rheological testing including capillary, rotational, Melt Flow Rate/Index and DSV
• Barrier including WVTR, OTR and various gases
• Weathering and Chemical Resistance testing including UV, temperature, humidity, repeated sterilization and environmental impact
• Adhesion property testing
• Flammability testing to industry standards, including automotive, aerospace and building specifications
• Optical testing including color, haze and gloss
• Electrical testing

Why choose Intertek’s physical and mechanical testing expertise?
Our scientists have over 30 years of experience in the polymer and polymer application industries, providing rapid and accurate physical, mechanical, chemical and thermal testing. With Intertek as your service provider the combination of our experience and testing expertise will provide an integrated approach to help you meet product performance specifications for all types of polymer materials and applications.

A wide range of techniques and approaches.
Our analysis techniques comprise of a wide range of practical methods, which can be tailored to your needs. Tests include Ultra-Violet/Visible (UV/VIS), Spectrophotometry, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis (DMTA), Thermomechanical Analysis (TMA), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Heat Distortion Temperature (HDT). Contact our experts today to find out more on how we can help you.