Polymer

TESTING OF MATERIAL
PROPERTIES

Helping you to ensure your material performs Materials tested include

correctly when it matters most • Plastics – ABS, Acetal, PMMA, PVC,
EVA, LDPE, HDPE, PP, Nylons, PET, PBT,
The physical and mechanical testing of polymers is a vital part of Polycarbonate, PEEK, PVDF, PTFE, TPUs
product development and the production process. Mechanical, • Rubber – Natural, EPDM, SBR, Butyl,
thermal, optical, rheological behaviour and climate testing allow product Vitons, Silicones
developers and manufacturers to understand their product better and • Flexible sheet / films / laminates
introduce stronger quality control. • Layflat hoses BS 6391
Smithers provides technical support for every stage of the product • Gasket and seals
lifecycle which is supported by extensive in-house analytical, testing • Electrical/life safety appliances
and information facilities. Our ISO 17025 accredited physical testing • Protective clothing
laboratories provide a comprehensive range of testing services for • Coated fabrics
plastics and rubber materials. • Pipes and fittings
• Medical products

Specialist support for Industries served

• Project managers • Pipe and hose • Aerospace • Medical device and
• Technical leads manufacturers • Automotive pharmaceutical product
• Commercial sales • Raw material suppliers • Manufacturing • Offshore
• Development managers • Marine • Textiles www.smithers.com
Testing of material properties
Smithers' experts can advise on appropriate test methodology where environmental conditions such as
temperature, pressure and contaminants are factors in polymer performance over its service life. We combine test
methods to create individual test programs based on your requirements to fully investigate material suitability to
a specific application. We can also work with you to develop custom test methods should it be required.

Our extensive sample preparation service can mould and form test specimens from most states, granules,
powder or extraction of specimens from a final product. We test to a range of national and international
standards, including those specific to the aerospace industry and maritime safety committee standards.

• Thermal properties • Mechanical and physical • Batch conformance testing

•D
ynamic mechanical analysis
(DMA)
• Differential scanning
calorimetry (DSC)
• Oxidation induction times
(OIT)
• Chemical / fluid resistance
• Material selection,
development and evaluation
• Failure analysis and technical
dispute resolution
properties • Compound supply
• Compressive tests • Rheology testing
• Flexural properties • Capillary rheometry
• Hardness • Rotational and ocillatory
• Impact properties viscometry
• Low temperature brittleness • Melt flow rate
properties
• Environmental testing
• Low temperature crystallisation
• Resistance to UV Aging
properties
• Resistance to Ozone
• Low temperature retraction
cracking
• Low temperature stiffening
(Gehman Test) • Resistance to heat

• Rubber fatigue / crack growth • Resistance to humidity

• Formulation design
• Stress relaxation
• Tear properties
• Tensile properties

Polymer expertise from Smithers

As Smithers we understand the real-world service-life
and environmental challenges polymer materials face.
Our experts can help you predict, manage and improve
the performance of your polymer-based material or
product whilst ensuring compliance. We truly Mark Bentham Helen Amos
understand polymer science and through our ISO SENIOR TEST ENGINEER SENIOR TEST ENGINEER
17025 accredited facilities in the UK and USA, we offer Plastic and Rubber Testing Plastic and Rubber Testing
a range of material testing, whole product testing and
mbentham@smithers.com hamos@smithers.com
technical consulting services.
+44 (0) 1939 250383 +44 (0) 1939 252429

Polymer

Smithers, Shawbury, Shropshire SY4 4NR, UK

Smithers, 425 West Market St, Akron, OH 44303, USA www.smithers.com/polymer