Plastics Testing

Abstract

Plastics testing covers analytical, thermal, physical, and environmental procedures for determining the composition, structure, as well as mechanical and other responses to a variety of environmental conditions of plastic materials. General uses of Fourier transform infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, Raman, and x‐ray techniques are reviewed and illustrated with specific examples. Developments in neutron and x‐ray scattering techniques, as well as molecular weight determination techniques such as gel‐permeation chromatography and turbidimetric methods, are also covered. Thermal tests, thermogravimetric analysis, differential thermal analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic mechanical analysis are all useful for understanding degradation and phase changes in polymers and their influence on material behavior. Several mechanical testing techniques are used in plastics for normal quality control testing and initial application screening of polymers. These tests and those used for more fundamental understanding of polymer response to stress, including fracture mechanics procedures, are referenced. Flammability tests commonly used for plastics include oxygen index, flammability ratings, and smoke generation. Work on the use of cone calorimeters to characterize behavior of plastics under fire conditions is also covered. Finally, environmental testing, chemical exposure, weathering, radiation, and biological agents are reviewed. Emphasis is given to test development or applications reported since 1980.