Plastic Material Testing

Tests to evaluate the mechanical properties of plastics are conducted to determine how plastic materials behave under different types of forces and conditions. These tests are essential to ensure that plastics meet the specific requirements of their application and to understand their performance characteristics.

Main Mechanical Property Tests for Plastics

• Tensile Strength Test

• Charpy Impact Test

• VICAT Temperature

• Density

• Ash Content

Objectives of Tensile Strength Testing

• Measure tensile strength

• Determine the yield strength

• Calculate the modulus of elasticity (Young's Modulus)

• Measure elongation and break strain

• Evaluate toughness

• ASTM D638

Standard for tensile testing of plastics.

• ISO 527

International standard for determining the tensile properties of plastics.

Charpy Impact Test

Evaluates the impact resistance of plastic, i.e., its ability to absorb energy before fracturing.

Sample: A bar-shaped sample with a notch in the center is used.

Method: The sample is placed in a holder and struck by a pendulum. The energy absorbed by the sample during fracture is measured.

Standards: ASTM D6110, ISO 179.

VICAT Temperature

Determines the temperature at which a needle under load penetrates a plastic sample to a specific depth.

Sample: A flat, rigid sample is used.

Method: The sample is heated at a constant rate, and the temperature at which a penetration needle reaches a depth of 1 mm under a predetermined load is measured.

Standards: ASTM D1525, ISO 306.

Density

Measures the mass per unit volume of the plastic.

Sample: Any shape of the material can be used.

Method: A pycnometer, liquid displacement, or flotation method can be used to determine the density.

Standards: ASTM D792, ISO 1183.

Ash Content

Determines the amount of inorganic material (ash) in a plastic.

Sample: A known amount of plastic material.