Physical Properties tests evaluate the physical and mechanical characteristics of individual materials, including plastics/polymers, tapes, adhesives, films, papers, fabrics, magnet wire coatings, and electrical insulation varnishes and resins. A variety of properties are tested such as tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength, density, hardness, water absorption, vapor transmission, and peel resistance. Materials are tested in “as-received” condition, and the material properties data are used by Certification Bodies (for listing or rating a material or certifying it for use in certain applications,) material manufacturers (to market their products for certain applications,) and material purchasers (to ensure the material is suitable for their planned application.)
Tensile Strength
Tensile Strength is the maximum stress that a material can withstand while being stretched or pulled before failing or breaking.
ASTM D638 – Tensile Properties of Plastics
ASTM D882 – Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting
UL 746A – Standard for Polymeric Materials – Short Term Property Evaluations
- Section 10 – Tensile Properties of Thermoplastic Polymeric Materials
- Section 12 – Tensile Properties of Thin Polymeric Sheeting
Flexural Strength
Flexural Strength is a material’s ability to resist deformation under load. Flexural Strength represents the highest stress experienced within the material at the moment of its rupture, and is measured in terms of force per unit area.
ASTM D790 – Flexural Properties of Plastics
UL 746A – Standard for Polymeric Materials – Short Term Property Evaluations
- Section 16 – Flexural Properties of Polymeric Materials
Impact Strength
Impact Strength is a material’s ability to resist fracture after being subjected to a sudden force. It is expressed in terms of the amount of energy absorbed per unit area. This test is used primarily for quality control and material specification.
ASTM D256 – Izod Impact Resistance of Plastics
ASTM D1822 – Tensile Impact Energy of Plastics
ASTM D4812 – Unnotched Cantilever Beam Impact Resistance of Plastics
UL 746A – Standard for Polymeric Materials – Short Term Property Evaluations
- Section 13 – Izod Impact Test
- Section 14 – Tensile Impact Test
- Section 15 – Charpy Impact Test
Other Material Properties
ASTM D570 – Water Absorption
ASTM E96 – Water Vapor Transmission
ASTM D974 – Acid and Base Number by Color-Indicator Titration
ASTM D1876 – Peel Resistance of Adhesives (T-Peel Test)
ASTM D3330 – Peel Adhesion of Pressure-Sensitive Tape
UL 746A – Standard for Polymeric Materials – Short Term Property Evaluations
- Section 19 – Bond-Strength Properties of Adhesives
ASTM D2240 – Durometer Hardness
UL 746A – Standard for Polymeric Materials – Short Term Property Evaluations
- Section 20 – Identification Hardness of Rubbers and Plastics by Means of a Durometer
To arrange physical properties testing, call Eltek Labs at 636-949-5835 now or request a quote online.
