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Plasticizers
Multi-method for the determination of esters of phthalic acid or adipic acid and 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, diisononyl ester (DiNCH) by GC-MS

Slip agent content in polyolefines, erucamide (EA) and oleamide (OA), qualitative and quantitative
Slip agents based on fatty acid amides, such as Erucamide and oleamide, are among the most commonly used additives, particularly in polyethylene and polypropylene films. Analysis of materials based on polyolefins such as PE and PP, e.g. in the form of films, using GC/MS after solvent extraction.

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coefficient of friction COF
Determination of the static (static friction) µs and kinetic coefficient of friction (sliding friction) µD

Determination of thickness of plastic films, aluminium foils, plane multilayer-materials and sheets
Determination by mechanical scanning (accredited test method)

tensile test films and laminates (temperature range -40 to +120 °C)
Determination of: secant modulus, tensile strength, elongation at break (accredited test method)

Sealing and welding properties of films, verification and comparison by laboratory sealing press
Production of sealing or welding seams on our laboratory sealing press (Kopp) and testing of the sealing seams with the Zwick tensile testing machine. The seals are made using previously agreed parameters. To create sealing curves individual parameters are varied, e.g. for determining the dependence of the sealing properties on the sealing temperature Ts [° C]. Of course, sealing curves can also determined depending on sealing pressure ps [N/cm] or sealing time ts [s]. Typically, a parameter is varied over 5 equal levels and the results are plotted graphically as a function of the variables (accredited test).

Bond strength/peel force of laminates/multi-layer films/bondings (temperature range - 40 up to + 120 °C)
DIN 53357 A (historical)/ASTM F 904/DIN EN ISO 11339 peel test after separation of the laminated layers (accredited test method). In addition to determining the peel force to delaminate the laminate, we also evaluate and document the delamination characteristics resp. the delamination mechanism (peeling off of the printing ink?Remaining of the adhesive layer? Tearing of the film ? Transfer of ink to the opposite side of the material ? ...)

Grammage, yield
Determination of the grammage (e.g. plastic film and fabric or nonwoven, packaging film, paper and cardboard, aluminum foil for thickness measurement), calculation of the yield (in the dimension [m²/kg material]).

Seal strength, tensile test on strips (temperature range -40 to +120 °C)
Seal strength of machine-made sealings from pouches, sacks, packages, lidding films sealed on trays, cups etc. or sealing samples according DIN 55529 or ASTM F 88 (1 inch or 15 mm wide specimen), DIN EN 868 part 5 appendix D of medical packagings inclusive description of appearance of fracture.

FINAT peel adhesion
Testing the adhesive strength of adhesive labels, self-adhesive labels, adhesive tapes, silicone coatings against standard glass plate or original surfaces/adhesives

Tensile-impact strength
The tensile-impact strength is a tensile test with a relatively high deformation rate. It is well known that materials sometimes behave brittle under dynamic loads, whereas they can appear plastic and deformable in the quasi-static, classical tensile test. This can lead to unpredictable breakage of packaging materials and technical products, e.g. under impact and drop stress.

Sealing/welding properties of films/hot-tack test of films
Only suitable for flexible films. Production and testing of sealed or welded seams with our hot-tack tester (KOPP device) in accordance with ASTM F 1921. The tests are carried out using previously agreed parameters. To create sealing curves individual parameters are varied, e.g. for determining the dependence of the sealing properties on the sealing temperature Ts [° C]. Of course, sealing curves can also be determined depending on cooling time [ms], sealing pressure ps [N / cm], sealing time ts [s] or testing speed [m/s]. Usually a parameter is varied over 5 equal steps and the results are plotted graphically as a function of the variables (accredited test).

Light fastness/ Wool (blue) scale - artificial irradiation by filtered xenon arc light
DIN EN ISO 4892-2; with filtered xenon arc lamp, sample area max. 240 x 400 mm²); with water sprinkling (water spray) or dry. It is also possible to determine the light fastness, e.g. of printing inks or dyed materials, according to the so-called wool scale (light fastness scale according to DIN ISO 12040 fastness level 1-8).

Surface resistance/resistivity
With circular electrode or polymeric blade electrode (Bayer electrode). Documentation in report as direct result (depending on electrode) and surface resistivity. Conditioning as agreed, measurements even under conditions deviating from the standard climate of 23°C/50% r. h. possible in climate chamber.

Tear resistance (Elmendorf)
The examination of the tearing behavior by using the Elmendorf Tear Tester is a dynamic (impact) test. It is e. g. suitable for verifying the effectiveness of easy opening devices on plastic bags, and assessing the influence of stretching processes or reduced wall thickness on film properties. The test can be performed on paper, films, flexible laminated films etc.

Impact resistance by free-falling dart method (Dart Drop), staircase method
This is a widely used and significant test for assessing the impact strength of films. The test is used, for example, for quality monitoring and comparison of films. The Dart Drop impact strength reacts sensitively to quality imperfections on recycled compound blending, formulation inconsistencies, oxidative degradation and strain e.g. from folding, embossing, laser treatment etc..

Fat-repellent impregnation of paper, lipophobic properties, Kit test
Formerly 3M kit test, classification of fat impregnation of papers by wetting tests with solutions based on castor oil, n-heptane and toluene. If the fat impermeability of plastic coatings/lacquers, e.g. on paper, is to be tested, please select the "fat permeability/fat density" method.

Gelboflextest/Brugger KFT
Wrinkle test in which a piece of film of approx. DIN A 4 size is cylindrically wrung up at an angle of max. 440 ° in the Brugger KFT tester. Usually 100 cycles are performed, afterwards the sample is tested e. g. on hole formation, delamination, oxygen or water vapour transmission rate, optical density or the like. The base price includes the examination of max. 4 sheets over 100 cycles at an angle of max. 440 °. Other test conditions are available upon request, calculation according to time spent. Minimum sample size 280 mm x 200 mm.

Compression test on cups, buckets and basins (temperature range - 40 up to + 120 °C)
DIN EN ISO 12048 analogue; on unfilled cups, bowls etc.; (filled packages with extra charge); determination of Fmax with v= 10 mm/min at first buckling of the specimen. Smaller packages (approx max 100 * 100 * 100 mm³) can be testet a temperature range from - 40 to +120° C also (additional charge!).

Printing inks and coatings/ lacquers- Fastness;Suitability tests, resistance, hot alkali resistance
The tests may be carried out on printings, coatings on flexible substrates such as films or paper. We can test the suitability and resistance to various environmental influences, food fastness, chemicals, fastness, bleeding, deep freezing, sterilization, pasteurization, scratching, wrinkling, etc. If your special requirement is not mentioned here, please contact us.

Wetting tension (e. g. for determination of Corona treatment intensity)
Suitable for plastic films and sheets (Union Carbide test) as well as for plastic coatings on paper and other substrates. The test is carried out by wetting the material surface by coloured inks with specified wetting tension for determination of the critical surface tension. Standard parameter for the assessment of surface tension after corona treatment (also called "dyn-number"). Also suitable for troubleshooting e.g. anti-sealing effect, reverse side treatment, blocking or corona perforation.

Shrinkage of PE films (Betex tester)
In-house method with Betex tester Principle: A round specimen of plastic film with a diameter of 50 mm is placed on a heating plate, wetted with polyethylene glycol. The shrinkage takes place while the specimen is free "swimming" in the hot polyethylene glycol. Suitable e.g. for PE films, test parameters T = 150 ° C / t = 30 s, the shrinkage [%] is determined in machine and transversal direction. Home method with Betex device Principle: A film blank with a diameter of 50 mm is placed on a heating plate wetted with polyethylene glycol. Shrinkage takes place floating in the hot polyethylene glycol. Suitable e.g. for PE films; test parameter T = 150°C/ t = 30 s, the longitudinal and also the transverse shrinkage are determined in [%].

Abrasion test of printings acc. Dr. Ruf method
Determination of abrasion resistance of printings, laqcuers etc. The test can be performed dry (as received), wet (after immersion in water) or after storage in liquid media/filling goods respectively after other pretreatments (sterilization, UV irradiation).

Bending stiffness
2-point bending method; bending length and angle depending on sample material

Impact resistance by the free-falling dart method – Instrumented puncture test
Impact resistance test in a drop impact tester, test speed approx. 4.4 m/s, for simulating impact-like stresses similar to the test of the drop hammer method (Dart Drop). In comparison to the Dart Drop test, the determination of the characteristic value is done electronically by means of a piezo force sensor in the drop probe as well as a light gate for deformation measurement and not by iterative variation of the impact mass (staircase method). Therefore, in addition to the damage force, results are also obtained for the deformation to fracture or the damage work. An older method according to specifications of the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging also allows testing of folded edges on premature damage.

Linear dimensional changes/dimensional stability/temperature stability of films and sheets
Determination of linear dimensional changes after exposure to temperature (till ca. 175°C, depending on material) of plastic films and sheets. Please select test temperature. We recommend the examination of shrinkage or shrinking stress for shrink films.

Storage test/accelerated ageing in lab drying oven or refrigerator (controlled temperature)
Storage tests with or without filling good for estimating the long-term stability of materials and packages. The storage tests, depending on the requirements, could be carried out in lab drying oven (convection), refrigerator, explosion-protected heating chamber (e. g. solvent-based media, T1 - T3 max. 105 °C; T 4 max. 70 °C), climate chamber (humidity and temperature controlled, temperature and humidity cycles possible). Please select the appropriate method to avoid unnecessary costs. Tests according to this method serve to accelerate the estimation of material ageing, e.g. also with regard to resistance to chemicals, foodstuffs or other filling materials for long-term applications. This is an assessment of purely technical aspects. For the assessment of food law conformity, please refer to the relevant legal regulations. For initial sampling, we strongly recommend parallel testing under real storage conditions to validate the validity of accelerated ageing tests. To prepare an offer, we need the following details/information: What type of packaging is to be tested (size, filling volume)? How many packages are to be stored? Are the packages empty or do they have to be emptied before testing? What kind of filling material is involved (CAS No./Safety Data Sheet)? How long should the packages be stored? Under which ambient conditions should the packages be stored (temperature, controlled relative humidity)?

Seal seam quality of PE- pouches or sacks (temperature range -40 to +120 °C)
You send us in pouches, sacks or sealings made of polyethylene film. We determine the seal strength quality in [%] relative to film strength, according GKV-test and evaluation clause Leaf III or DIN 55543-3 per seal (e.g. bottom seam) n = 10 individual measurements to lot size 5000 pieces, additional measurements for larger lots optional. The strength of unsealed flim is measured and set in relation to the strength of the seal tested under identical conditions.

Tear resistance (also folded edges), (temperature range - 40 up to + 120 °C)
Methods available: trapezoid, trouser, on request: FhG leaflet 6 part 9 (folded edges, trapezoide - extra charge!), Graves

Tensile test paper, sealing strength of paper samples
Paper DIN EN ISO 1924-2 determination of tensile strength, stretch at break,TEA (accredited test method) DIN EN 868-4 Annexe C, measuring the seal strength of machine-made bags or sealed samples made of paper

Blocking test/blocking strength
Testing the blocking tendency of plane packaging materials, in dependence on temperature T [°C], pressure p [MPa] and time t [h]. The evaluation is carried out either by manual test or by determining of blocking force Fmax [N] in a shear test using a tensile tester. If the sample is to be tested under several conditions, please create the test accordingly several times with the respective parameter settings.

Curling or flatness
The curling of sheet materials depends generally on temperature and conditioning state. So multilayer materials made of materials having different coefficients of thermal expansion or unequal expansion/shrinkage due to deviating hygroscopic tendency may tend to curl caused by a kind of bi-metall effect. In addition to that excessive mechanical stress in the processing of rolls can lead ot curling.

Creep test
Creep test on plastic films according to DIN EN 13206, DIN 55445 T2, for example T = 23 - 80° C, sample width 10 or 20 mm, testing period as agreed, testing weight as agreed.

Fat permeability/fat density
Testing of paper, coated paper or plastic films with dyed palm kernel fat. The sample is coated with the test fat on the test side, then the glass plate and, if necessary, additional weights are placed on top. After the exposure time has elapsed, the fat passages with a size of up to 1 mm visible to the naked eye on the display paper within the defined test area are evaluated. If only fat penetrations up to 1.0 mm are observed, the test is considered to have been passed; in the case of fat penetrations with a size above 1 mm, the test is to be carried out under a more moderate test condition (a "worse" fat permeability group).

Tensile test aluminium films
DIN EN 546-2 determination of tensile strength RM, max. load Fmax, elongation at break A100 oder A50 (accredited test method)

Tensile test paper wet strength
DIN ISO 3781 determination of wet breaking load after immersion in water, calculation of relative wet strength relating to initial strength of paper conditioned under standard climate.

Indentation hardness (Shore hardness)
Hardness test with a durometer for plastics and hard rubber (ebonite), possibly necessary sample preparation will be charged additionally. The thickness of the test specimen shall be minimum 4 mm, it may be composed of thinner layers to obtain the necessary thickness.. Determinations made on composite specimens may not be consistent with those made on one-piece specimens because the area between the layers may not be in full contact.

Sealing seam strength of peelable bags, sacks, sealed packages with package testing device for determining the opening forces
Testing is performed as a technological practical test with a defined pull-off angle and specified test speed on sealed trays, cups, pouches, etc. with a standard-compliant package testing device

Drop test of bags and pouches
Drop test of the pouches or bags or strength of the closure system of drawstring bags per test load, standard n = 10 (testing of n = 30 bags: extra charge).

Anti-dew (anti-fog) test
Examination of transparent films or packages for anti-dew properties, as cold fog (storage in refrigerator T = 6° C) and/or hot fog (filling with hot tap water T = 60° C and storage at T = 23° C). The bedewing of the sample is forced by falling below the dew point, visually assessed and photographically documented.

Weathering test - wet smear resistance of printed peat culture, substrate and humus packaging
Testing the resistance of printing inks to environmental influences such as moisture, sunlight (UV radiation) and to substances eluted from the filling materials (e.g. humic acids, agricultural chemicals) during outdoor weathering. For the practical assessment of the wet smear resistance of the printing and the weather resistance of the film materials in the time-lapse test, including the pallet securing film, by means of artificial weathering with xenon arc light in accordance with DIN EN ISO 4892-2.

Curvature of films
This method is used to measure the curvature of a flat film in relation to the longitudinal direction. This so-called curvature can be the result of an aslope bubble during the blown film process, for example. The film then tends to have lobed edges on the reels or to wrinkle during lamination. We will be happy to send you our test specification on request.

Seal resistance of printings or coatings (heat resitance)
Over sealing of the sample by laboratory sealer against fine paper with smooth or structurated sealing bars, determination of max Ts [°C] till deterioration of printing or laquer (adhesion, discoloration) with constant ps [N/cm²], ts [s].

Shear strength of glued seams (temperature range - 40 to +120° C)
5 pieces of 15 mm wide strips are taken from the seam and tested in a tensile tester under shear stress. The maximum force until the seam breaks is determined.

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Film construction/material characterisation - Analysis package at a fixed price
Qualitative characterisation of plastic films, laminates and plastic products concerning layer construction and basic materials, excepting adhesives, tie layers, inorganic coatings, e.g. metallisations. Methods: DSC screening (- 20 up to 300 °C/2 heating runs) of the material as received, microtome cut to determine and display visible layers and layer thicknesses, determination of the material class of the individual layers with FTIR spectroscopy; Beilstein test for presence of chlorine. Additional tests available by arrangement.

Microtome section/ cross-sectional image
Cross section of films, moulded forms, sealed seams etc., thickness determination of visible layers included,with reflected or transmitted light microscope (accredited test method).

Infrared (IR) spectroscopy
Identification of materials, contaminations, additives, laquers, adhesives, adhesive-based anti sealing effect etc. with different techniques depending on sample and problem

Moisture content/water content (residual moisture)
The choice of the appropriate method depends essentially on the expected moisture content. Higher water contents can be determined gravimetrically well with the drying oven technique. When lower water contents are expected, the water selective Karl Fischer titration should be chosen, as incorrect measurements, for example by other volatile matters can be excluded. The Karl Fischer method is, however, not intended for determination of higher water contents.

Microscopic examination with light microscopy, photographic documentation included
Microscopic examination of any samples. Invoicing according to time spent.

DSC/thermal analysis: determination of glass transission temperature
In the glass transition temperature range, there is a sudden change in the heat capacity cp, which is usually accompanied by a sudden change in the physical and technological properties. For example, some polymers suddenly become hard and fragile below the glass transition temperature (e.g. PP), while others can be thermoformed very well when the glass transition temperature is exceeded (e.g. PET). Measurement by DSC is smart, but not feasible on all polymers. We would be happy to advise you.

Melt index (melt - mass flow rate) MFR (MFI)
(Test conditions according to Annex B Table B1, e.g. PE: 190°C/2.16 kg; PP: 230°C/2.16 kg). We also carry out tests with other loads on request.

TGA-analysis (thermo- gravimetry)
TGA-analysis (thermo- gravimetry), determination of content of inorganic fillers and additives like calcium cabonate, carbone black,polymeric phase, including standard report

Oxidation stability (OIT) as oxidation induction time or oxidation induction temperature via DSC
ISO 11357-6 Determination of Oxidation resistance via xidation induction time (isothermal OIT) or oxidation induction temperature (dynamic OIT) by Diffential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). In the isothermal method, the sample is heated under nitrogen atmosphere to a defined temperature, then switched to an oxygen or air atmosphere and the time until oxidation begins is measured. In dynamic testing, the sample is heated under an oxygen or air atmosphere at a constant heating rate until oxidation occurs. The temperature at which oxidation begins is measured.

Analysis of gels/ inclusions
Analysis package for determining the position, size and the character of material of gels and inclusions in films and other products made of plastics including photo documentation. Methods depending on the task, e. g. infrared microspectroscopy, microscopy, hot stage microscopy, microtome cross-section, thermal analysis DSC

Beilstein test
The Beilstein test is used for the qualitative rapid detection of halogens, usually the chlorine content (Cl) from PVC or PVDC-based polymers. For verification, we usually measure an infrared spectrum of the material or the material layer to be evaluated.

VA content determination in E/VA copolymers
Detemination by IR spectroscopy in combination with thermal analysis DSC.

Ash content of plastic materials (polyolefins)
Gavimetric determination for the examination of films, granules etc. based on polyolefins (PE, PP) for percentage of inorganic fillers, pigments, anti-blocking agents etc. The chalk content of white pigments can be calculated from the weight loss due to carbonate splitting during two-stage annealing 600/950 °C. Further analytical investigations of the ash composition are possible on request.

Solids content of printing inks, adhesives, lacquers (gravimetric)
Of liquid printing inks, adhesives, lacquers by gravimetric determination.

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Opacity measurement
The measurements are carried out using a spectrophotometer according to ISO 2471 or DIN 6125. An opacity card (Leneta) type 2 a serves as a black and white base according to DIN 6125.

UV-VIS spectroscopy
UV-VIS spectroscopy

Optical density
Characteristic value for specification of the light density of coloured or metallized films as well as other light-tight materials by densitometer instrument Gretag McBeth.

Gloss measurement
Reflectometer measurement to determine the degree of gloss. The measuring angle depends on the surface of the sample (measuring angle: high glossy: 20°, medium glossy: 60°, matt glossy: 85°).

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Water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) plastic films, laminates, coated papers and aluminium foils
Measurement is performed using the water vapor specific method (hydrolysis sensor or infrared sensor). Usually deviating from the standard as a double determination.

Oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of packages, pouches, moulded parts, bottles, etc. (only suitable for barrier materials, see also "i")
The measurement is carried out using the coulommetric, oxygen-specific carrier gas method. Attention: This is only suitable for packages with a good oxygen barrier. Materials with high permeation coefficients, such as PP, PE or PS cups cannot be measured because the permeation is too high.

Tightness, leakage test/pores/micro-holes/defects
These tests are used to locate defects, leaks, micro-holes (pinholes), leakages and so on in packagings, pouches, bags and films. Depending on the problem and material, various methods are used, e.g. gas detection, dye penetration, chemical copper deposition, resistance against water or visual inspection on standardized light box. Please do not hesitate to contact us, we will be pleased to assist you in selecting a suitable method for your questions. To submit an offer, we need the following information: What kind of packaging should be tested (size, filling volume)? How many packages should be stored? Are the packages empty or do they have to be emptied before testing? Which contents are involved (CAS no./safety data sheet)?

Water vapour transmission rate (WVTR)/ Sd- value (water vapour diffusion-equivalent air layer thickness)
Determination of the Sd value according to the gravimetric method on diffusion open and diffusion inhibiting materials with Sd values of approx. 0.03- 10 m ( equivalent to a WVTR of approx. 4- 800 g/(m²xd) depending on the material and test conditions) as a quintuple determination. For diffusion-inhibiting, diffusion-blocking and diffusion-proof materials with Sd values of approx. 10- >1500 m (corresponds to a WVTR of approx. 0.005- 125 g/(m²xd) depending on the material and test conditions), we recommend the more rapid and more cost-effective electrolysis method (then deviating from the standard as a double determination).

Determination of (residual) oxygen and carbon dioxide content in ready-made packages
(Residual) oxygen and carbon dioxide content in sealed containers of any kind provided with modified gas atmosphere (MAP), e. g. cups, bottles, pouches, trays. The testing can be carried out with filled as well as empty packages. The method is not suitable for testing vacuum packages. Basic price, measurement of 5 emptied and cleaned packages included, additional measurements according to time.

Water Vapour Transmission Rate (WVTR) of moulded parts, packages, pouches, bottles, etc. (only suitable for barrier materials, see also "i")
The measurement is carried out by using the the water vapor specific hydrolysis method, which allows to detect even the lowest permeabilities precisely and reproducibly. Besides the standard parameters offered, measurements can be carried out under a wide variety of temperature and humidity conditions. Attention: This method is only suitable for packs with a good water vapour barrier. Materials with high permeation coefficients, e.g. PA, thermoplastic starch or PLA, can not be measured due to excessive permeation.

Nitrogen transmission rate (N2 TR) of plastic films, laminates, coated papers, alufoils etc.
Testing performed with the manometric method acc. DIN 53380 T 2 resp. ISO 15105-1 (Brugger-method), also comparable to ASTM D 1434-procedure M. Usually deviating from the standard as a double determination.

Permeation (air, helium, argon, others on request) of plastic films, laminates, coated papers, Alufoils
The method enables permeation measurement of permanent gases according to the non-selective manometric method. The measurement is only possible with dry gas (0% relative humidity).

Water vapour transmission rate (WVTR), gravimetric test
Gravimetric determination of WVTR. We recommend the measurement by hydrolysis method acc. ISO 15106-3 (hist DIN 53122-2). If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.