Overview
This program provides an overview of the significance of testing plastics materials, including selecting the appropriate protocol, specimen preparation, sampling and conditioning, and data generation and interpretation. Attention will be focused on the concept of "uncertainty budget," and will investigate primary and secondary sources of error for several principal physical properties. Class lecture and hands-on training will be used, as well as selected laboratory demonstrations.
Audience
This seminar is designed for laboratory personnel who want to develop an enhanced appreciation for plastics materials testing methodology.
Content
Review of Appropriate ASTM, ISO and other international
standards-developing organizations
Review of ASTM D4000 Class Protocol for preparation, sampling,
conditioning, data generation and interpretation
Typical Mechanical Properties
- Tensile
- Flexural and stiffness
- Hardness
- Impact toughness (pendulum, falling weight)
- Creep behavior
Key Thermal Properties
- Distortion Temperature Under Load (DTUL)
- Glass Transition Temperature (Tg)
- Flammability and smoke generation/density
- Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion (CLTE)
Molecular Weight Determinations
- Steady shear of polymer solutions (spindle rheometry)
- Steady shear of polymer melts (capillary, torque rheometry)
-
Dynamic Mechanical Rheological Testing (DMRT) of polymer melt
viscosity, solid (functional) behavior and time-temperature
superpositioning