Physical Testing
Physical Testing Methods
Physical Testing Benefits:
For thermoplastic and thermoset polymer materials, physical testing provides information to also identify and confirm polymer type using reference physical parameters: density or specific gravity and impact behavior.
The impact testing was especially beneficial for use in the material selection of material grades for best performance in unique applications, and as a qualification tool for the proper processing of components.
Impact Testing (IMP):
General Information
Impact testing was performed on an Instron Dynatup 9250HV. The ASTM D3763 method was followed using the following parameters: striker diameter (0.5 in or 12.7 mm), striker weight (~26 lb or ~11.8 kg), striker drop height (1.92 ft or 0.59 m) impact velocity (10.9 ft/sec or 3.3 m/s), impact energy (~46 ft lbf or ~62 J) and testing temperature (77°F or 25°C).
Impact References
ASTM Standard D3763, 2014, "Standard Test Method for High Speed Puncture Properties of Plastics Using Load and Displacement Sensors," ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2014, DOI: 10.1520/D3763-14, www.astm.org.
Density or Specific Gravity (DEN):
The density of components or sample specimens is measured using a balance apparatus based on ASTM D 792. The density testing was performed using a Mettler Toledo XS105 scale and the manufacturer provided density apparatus.
Density References
ASTM Standard D0792, 2008, "Standard Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity ( Relative Density ) of Plastics by Displacement," ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2008, DOI: 10.1520/D0792-08, www.astm.org.
International Organization for Standardization. (2019). "Plastics — Methods for determining the density of non-cellular plastics — Part 1: Immersion method, liquid pycnometer method and titration method) " (ISO/DIS Standard No. 1183). https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:std:iso:1183:-1:ed-3:v2:en
Hardness Testing
Rockwell Hardness:
The hardness was measured using the Instron Wilson Rockwell 2000B. The hardness measurements were taken on the prepared cross-section using the listed Rockwell Scales using the method, ASTM E18. The hardness measurements if necessary may be converted to another hardness scale such as Brinell (HBS) hardness scale using the specification, ASTM E140.
HRB is a scale using a total test force 100 kgf and a 1/16” ball indenter.
HRE is a scale using a total test force 100 kgf and a 1/8” ball indenter.
HRF is a scale using a total test force 60 kgf and a 1/16” ball indenter.
HR30T is a scale using a total test force 30 kgf and a 1/16” ball indenter.
HR15T is a superficial scale using a total test force 15 kgf and a 1/16” ball indenter.
Durometer Hardness (Rubber Property):
The hardness was measured using the Type A Durometer or Type D Durometer. The hardness measurements were taken on the available plane surfaces of the submitted material samples. The hardness testing was based on two test methods, ASTM D2240 and ISO 868. The measurement values are provided for the maximum gauge reading and the reading after the interval of fifteen seconds.
PTC® Shore A Scale Classic Durometer 306L
PTC® Shore D Scale Classic Durometer 307L
Hardness References
ASTM Standard E18, 2008b, "Standard Test Methods for Rockwell Harness of Metallic Materials," ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2008, DOI: 10.1520/E00018-08B, www.astm.org.
ASTM Standard E 140, 2012b, “Standard Hardness Conversion Tables for Metals Relationship Among Brinell Hardness, Vickers Hardness, Rockwell Hardness, Superficial Hardness, Knoop Hardness, Scleroscope Hardness, and Leeb Hardness," ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2012, DOI: 10.1520/E00140-12B, www.astm.org.
ASTM Standard D2240, 2005 (2010), "Standard Test Method for Rubber Property-Durometer Hardness," ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2010, DOI: 10.1520/D2240-05R10, www.astm.org
International Organization for Standardization. (2003). "Plastics and ebonite — Determination of indentation hardness by means of a durometer (Shore hardness) " (ISO/DIS Standard No. 868). https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:std:iso:868:ed-3:v1:en