Quasi static mechanical tests

Owner: Xiaojie Zhou

Principle:

The test specimen is extended along its major longitudinal axis at a constant speed until the specimen fractures or until the stress (load) or the strain (elongation) reaches some predetermined value. During this procedure, the load sustained by the specimen and the elongation are measured.

Capabilities:

Tensile tests (ISO 527 and ASTM D-638)

Flexural tests(ISO 178 and ASTM D790)

Asset:

Instron 5567

30 kN testing machine.

Environmental chamber could be applied for high-low temperature (-70-350°C) tensile (not available for flexural) tests.



Instron AT3

30kN Load Cell

 

Variable Pressure Hydraulic Control Unit

 

Axial Extensometer

 

Equipped with automation system(80 bars)

Impact tests

Owner: Xiaojie Zhou

Principle:

The pendulum is raised to a measured point, and it is then released. The weighted end of the pendulum gains speed as it swings toward a mounted molded bar of the test plastic. It strikes the bar, breaks it, and the pendulum loses energy while breaking the plastic bar. Therefore it does not swing as high. The energy lost by the pendulum is equated with the energy absorbed by the test specimen during the breaking process.

Capabilities:

Charpy, Unnotched and notched specimens. ISO 179

Izod, Unnotched and notched specimens. ISO 180

Asset:

Tinius Olsen MP1200

ISO1133

ASTM D1238

Temperatures: RT to +390°C.



Rotational rheometer

Owner: Xiaojie Zhou

Principle:

Application of a shear rate range (in steady mode) or a strain frequency (in dynamic mode) and measurement of the correspondent resistance of the material to flow to determine viscosity and viscoelastic properties (𝜂*, G’, G” and tan𝛿) respectively.

Capabilities:

Measurement of viscosity in a wide range of shear rates (0.01 - 1000 s-1) and temperatures.

Frequency sweep tests for viscoelastic materials.

Time sweep test to evaluate stability.

Temperature sweep test for screening crosslinking temperature, gelation point, …

Dynamic Mechanical Analyses (DMA) for phase transitions and modulus variation with temperature.

Asset:

TA ARES

Strain controlled rheometer with high sensitivity for low viscosities.

Geometries: parallel plates, Torsion rectangular