Mission

In the PCL Dielectric and Electrical testing lab, we specialize in both destructive and non-destructive methods for determining various properties of aromatic specialty polymers and thermoplastic composites. Dielectric and electrical testing of polymers is a vital part of the product development and production process. Our capabilities span a wide spectrum, encompassing routine and standardized testing procedures as well as the evaluation of other properties via non-routine testing. Our primary focus is to provide support to the Specialty Polymer Research and Development (R&D) teams, Customer Technical Development (CTD) teams, as well as the manufacturing and quality control groups.

Techniques

Specialty Polymers

• Dielectric Constant (Dk) and Dissipation Factor (Df)
• Dielectric Strength or Break Down Voltage
• Surface & Volume Resistivity
• Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)
• EMI Shielding Effectiveness

Team 

Dielectric Constant & Dissipation Factor (Dk/Df) ASTM D150: up to 30MHz, LCR meters with parallel plate electrodes and disk/plaque/film samples ASTM D2520: 20KHz-40GHz, VNAs with rectangular prism resonance cavities and bar samples ASTM D2520: 2.45GHz, VNAs with split post resonance cavities and thin film or plaque samples IPC-TM-650:  5GHz-35GHz, VNAs with split cylinder resonance cavities and thin film or plaque samples
Dielectric Strength (Breakdown Voltage) ASTM D877/1816 and IEC 156: up to 60KV, Hipotronics OC60DI ASTM D149: up to 100KV, Hipotronics D149-DI Test fixtures (open air and oil filled)
Volume & Surface Resistivity ASTM D257: Keithley 6517B & 8009 fixture ANSI 11.11/11.12: ETS meter with 803B probes ASTM D991: Keithley 2470 with ETS 831
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) ASTM D3638 and IEC 60112 Attrezzature Tecniche Speciali equipment 2 machines, 600V and 1000V
EMF Shielding Effectiveness ASTM D4935: 20KHz-4.8GHz, VNA with custom resonance cavity fitted to this rang