Laboratory testing services

Determination of the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) according to the ASTM F1249 standard. WVTR describes the amount of water vapor that passes through a material over a set period. It is an important quality indicator in food and cosmetics packaging, as an effective moisture barrier is critical to keeping products fresh and preventing spoilage. In this WVTR test, two samples per material are measured simultaneously to ensure the reliability of the measurement. The results are expressed as g/m²/day. Please disclose the desired temperature (from 18 to 40°C) and the desired relative humidity (from 20% to 100%) when placing the order. This measurement is applicable for plastic films and sheeting materials with WVTR values between 0.005 and 2400 g/m²/day. If you wish to test finished packaging instead, check out the WVTR measurement for packages.

Imaging of the sample using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Typically, several images are taken with varying magnifications to get a good overview of the sample. Non-conductive samples can be prepared with a metallic coating to allow imaging. For cross-section measurement, additional preparation might be needed: FIB, BIB or freeze fracturing. If compositional analysis is also needed, please see the SEM-EDX measurement.

Phthalates are a group of chemicals widely used as plasticizers, which make plastics more flexible and durable. They have also been used as additives in products such as cosmetics and personal care items. Several phthalates have been identified as endocrine-disrupting agents or as chemicals toxic to reproduction. Exposure to phthalates can occur through: Oral exposure Food: Exposure occurs via migration from food packaging., Children's toys: Children often put toys in their mouths.., Inhalation: Breathing in dust from vinyl flooring or fragrances (like perfumes) can cause exposure to phthalates via inhalation., Skin contact: Phthalates present in cosmetics, lotions, and soaps can be absorbed through the skin.. For other listed matrices apart from cosmetics, the analysis package covers the following substances included in the REACH Authorization List: Substance Abbreviation CAS number Diisobutyl phthalate DIBP 84-69-5 Dibutyl phthalate DBP 84-74-2 Benzyl butyl phthalate BBP 85-68-7 Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate DEHP 117-81-7 Di(n-octyl) phthalate DNOP 117-84-0 Diisononyl phthalate DINP 68515-48-0 Diisodecyl phthalate DIDP 26761-40-0 Products that contain restricted phthalates in concentrations higher than 0.1% may be removed from the market. The analysis package for cosmetic products contains the following phthalates: Substance Abbreviation CAS number Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate DEHP 117-81-7 Benzyl butyl phthalate BBP 85-68-7 Dibutyl phthalate DBP 84-74-2 Diisononyl phthalate DINP 68515-48-0 Di(n-octyl) phthalate DNOP 117-84-0 Diisodecyl phthalate DIDP 26761-40-0 All the above-mentioned substances are prohibited in cosmetic products (Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009).

We offer comprehensive test packages for verifying the quality of type II and type IIR face masks according to the EN 14683 standard. The tests included in the packages are required to label face masks with the CE marking. Medical face masks are divided into Types I and II according to their bacterial filtration efficiency. Type I masks are not intended for healthcare professionals, but for the public to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Type II masks are further classified based on whether they are splash-resistant (Type IIR) or not (Type II). To comply with the European Standard EN 14683, Type II face masks must undergo the following quality tests: Bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) - The ability of the face mask to filter the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. The BFE is expressed as the percentage of colony-forming units (cfu) that have passed via aerosol through the facemask. If a face mask consists of two or more areas with different characteristics, these areas will be tested separately., Breathability (Differential pressure) - The amount of differential pressure required to draw air through a measured surface area at a constant flow rate., Microbial cleanliness (Bioburden) - The measurement of colony forming units per gram as per EN ISO 11737-1., Biocompatibility - The medical face mask manufacturer shall complete a biocompatibility evaluation according to ISO 10993-1 as a surface device with limited contact. The applicable toxicology testing regimen shall also be determined.. In addition to the above, Type IIR masks require the following test: Splash resistance - Performed according to ISO 22609, this test determines the ability of a face mask to resist penetration of splashes of liquid at different pressures.. The lower displayed price applies to the Type II mask test package, while the higher price also includes the splash resistance test required for Type IIR masks.

This test measures the air permeability of fabrics according to standard EN ISO 9237. Most types of fabrics, including industrial fabrics for technical purposes, nonwovens, and made-up textile articles, are suited for the test. The result will be given in l/m²/s, expressing the amount of air that passes through a square meter of fabric in one second.

GC-MS analysis of 16 PAH compounds, which are listed as high-priority pollutants by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The analyzed PAH compounds are: naphthalene [CAS: 91-20-3], acenaphthylene [CAS: 208-96-8], acenaphthene [CAS: 83-32-9], fluorene [CAS: 86-73-7], phenanthrene [CAS: 85-01-8], anthracene [CAS: 120-12-7], fluoranthene [CAS: 206-44-0], pyrene [CAS: 129-00-0], benz(a)anthracene [CAS: 56-55-3], chrysene [CAS: 218-01-9], benzo(b)fluoranthene [CAS: 205-99-2], benzo(k)fluoranthene [CAS: 207-08-9], benzo (a) pyrene [CAS: 50-32-8], dibenzo(ah)anthracene [CAS: 53-70-3], benzo (ghi) perylene [CAS: 191-24-2], indeno (123cd) pyrene [CAS: 193-39-5].

IMO 2010 FTP Code Part 9 fire testing assesses the suitability of bedding components for marine use. Test results can be used for type approval (wheel mark). During testing, the ignitability of mattresses, quilts, blankets, pillows, and other bedding components is assessed. Mattresses are placed directly on a test steel rig, while quilts, blankets, pillows, and thin light mattresses are fixed to a mineral wool board that is placed on the test rig. Two ignition sources are used: a smoldering cigarette covered with a cotton wool pad and a small gas flame.

Determination of the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of ultra-high barrier materials. The method can also be used to test moderate barrier materials at high-temperature conditions. Please disclose the desired temperature (from 10 to 85 °C) and the desired relative humidity (from 60% to 100%) when placing the order. This measurement is applicable for films and sheeting materials with WVTR values between 1x10-6 and 10 g/m2/day. If you wish to test finished packaging instead, check out the WVTR measurement for packages. The price of the test consists of a flat rate cost per sample plus one day measurement time. Please contact our experts for an offer.

Parts 1 and 2 of the EN 1021 standard are used to assess the ignitability of upholstered seating. A smoldering cigarette and match-flame equivalent are used as ignition sources. Testing is a requirement for upholstered furniture that is designed to be used in public spaces, such as hotels, schools, and restaurants.

The gravimetric dish method can be used to determine the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of materials that have a high water vapor permeability. This method is intended for plastic films or sheeting materials with a water transmission rate of over 1 g/m²/day. The maximum sample thickness is 3 mm. In the test, a water-absorbent material is placed in a metal cup that is covered by the studied material, which is sealed to the cup with wax. The test sample is placed in a conditioned cabinet and its mass is measured. From this, the WVTR value can be calculated. The method is not applicable for materials that are damaged by hot wax or shrink under the used test conditions.

IMO 2010 FTP Code Part 8 testing for upholstered furniture is used to assess the suitability of materials for maritime use. The results can be used for type approval (wheel mark). The testing is performed on the actual product or a small-scale test chair consisting of the cover and filling components of the product. Materials needed for the test are as follows x 3: Cover: 800 mm x 650 mm, Back-filling: 450 mm x 300 mm x 75 mm , Seat-filling: 450 mm x 150 mm x 75 mm. During the cigarette test, a cigarette is lighted and positioned axially along the junction between the seat and the back. The test assembly is not allowed to smolder after one hour from the beginning of the test. In the burner tube test, a burner tube with a propane flame is allowed to burn for 20 seconds, positioned axially along the junction between the seat and the back. No flaming or progressive smoldering is allowed to continue for more than 120 seconds after the removal of the burner tube.

Water vapor transmission rate testing can be used to evaluate the breathability of textiles. This test, performed according to ASTM E96, measures the amount of water vapor that passes through the fabric in a controlled environment. The standard conditions are 20 °C and 65% relative humidity. The result will be reported in g/m²/day. For a more comprehensive evaluation of technical textiles' barrier properties, this test can be combined with the ISO 811 resistance to water penetration test and the ISO 9237 air permeability measurement. Do not hesitate to ask our experts for an offer for the full set of analyses.

This test measures the light-blocking properties of textiles (typically curtains or drapes) against light passing through them. Testing is performed according to standard AATCC 203. Testing is conducted with spectrophotometric measuring equipment that produces precise and reproducible results. The results are presented in percentages (%).

Determination of certain aromatic amines derived from azo dyes in accordance with the standard EN 14362-1.

This test is a combination of two testing standards that are used to assess the dimensional changes in textiles and clothes after a dry cleaning process. The results are expressed as percentages (%) of either extension (+) or shrinkage (–). ISO 3175-1 Professional care, dry cleaning, and wet cleaning of fabrics and garments – Part 1: Assessment of performance after cleaning and finishing ISO 3759, Textiles – Preparation, marking, and measuring of fabric specimens and garments in tests for determination of dimensional change.

This test is a combination of two standards that are together used to determine dimensional changes in textiles and clothing after ironing. The results are expressed as percentages (%) of either extension (+) or shrinkage (–). DIN 53894-1 – Determination of dimensional change of textile fabrics, ironing with a moist ironing cloth on an ironing press. ISO 3759, Textiles – Preparation, marking, and measuring of fabric specimens and garments in tests for determination of dimensional change.

This test is a combination of three ISO standards that are together used to asses dimensional changes in textiles after domestic washing and drying cycles. The results are expressed as percentages (%) of either extension (+) or shrinkage (–). Testing is based on the following standards: ISO 6330 – Domestic washing and drying procedures for textile testing ISO 5077 – Textiles – Determination of dimensional change in washing and drying ISO 3759 – Textiles – Preparation, marking, and measuring of fabric specimens and garments in tests for determination of dimensional change.

Colorfastness describes a textile's ability to retain its original color when exposed to different types of chemical, mechanical, or environmental stress. We offer color fastness testing according to the following standards: EN ISO 105-E01 - Color fastness to water, EN ISO 105-E02 - Color fastness to seawater, EN ISO 105-E08 - Color fastness to hot water , EN ISO 105-E03 - Color fastness to chlorinated water, EN ISO 105-E07 - Color fastness to water spotting, ISO 105-X12 - Color fastness to rubbing, EN ISO 105-D02 - Color fastness to rubbing with organic solvents, EN ISO 105-X05 - Color fastness to organic solvents, DIN 53160-1 - Color fastness to saliva, EN ISO 105-E04 - Color fastness to alkaline and acidic perspiration, DIN 53160-2 - Color fastness to artificial sweat, EN ISO 105-N02 - Color fastness to peroxide bleaching, EN 20105-N01 - Color fastness to hypochlorite bleaching, DIN 54034 - Color fastness to mild hypochlorite bleaching, EN ISO 105-E06 - Color fastness to alkaline spotting, EN ISO 105-E05 - Color fastness to acid spotting , EN ISO 105-X11 - Color fastness to hot pressing (dry, damp, or wet) , EN ISO 105-X04 - Color fastness to mercerizing. You can choose the desired standard from the dropdown list upon ordering. Multiple tests can be ordered simultaneously.

Vertically supported textiles and films are to be tested by IMO 2010 FTP Code Part 7 to assess their suitability for marine use. Test results can be used for type approval (wheel mark). At least 20 specimens (170 mm x 220 mm) are cut in both directions of the fabric. If the sides of the fabric are different, both sides shall be tested. Products treated with flame retardants are tested before and after ten full cycles of cleaning and drying. The test specimen is fixed to a vertical metal frame that is placed in the testing cabinet. The specimen is then ignited with a propane gas flame (40 ± 2 mm). Preliminary tests are performed for both directions, the worst case of ignition scenario is chosen, and 5 further tests are conducted in both directions. The after-flame time, burn-through, ignition of cotton wool below, average char length, and surface flash are observed.

This test is used to determine the water absorbency of various textiles and fabric materials. A drop of water is placed on the sample, and the time it takes for the drop to be fully absorbed into the material is measured. The result is given in seconds (s).

Determination of the antibacterial activity of textiles and fabrics with the Agar method. This method is suitable for textiles that have not been treated with antibacterial substances that react with Agar.

Test according to the ISO 2411 standard to determine the coating adhesion strength of fabrics coated with rubber or plastic. Knowing the adhesion strength of the coating to the fabric is an important quality indicator, as poor adhesion strength may result in product failure.

This test measures the color fastness of textiles in domestic and commercial laundering processes according to the EN ISO 105-C standard. The testing options are: EN ISO 105-C10 Colour fastness of textiles to washing in 40°C, 50°C, 60°C or 95°C with soap, EN ISO 105-C06 Colour fastness of textiles to domestic & commercial laundering in 40°C, 50°C, 60°C, 70°C or 95°C with detergent, EN ISO 105-C08 Colour fastness of textiles to domestic and commercial laundering by using a non-phosphate reference detergent, EN ISO 105-C09 Colour fastness of textiles to domestic and commercial laundering – Oxidative bleach by using a non-phosphate reference detergent. Please let us know which method and temperature should be used when requesting an offer.

This test is used to determine the crease recovery angle of textiles.

This test determines the distortion of a woven fabric in which the weft yarns are perpendicular to the warp yarns.

This test measures the textile's resistance to water with the hydrostatic pressure method according to AATCC 127 standard. During the test, one surface of the sample is subjected to hydrostatic pressure, which is increased at a constant rate until three points of leakage appear on the other surface. The test can be used for any textile or fabric.

Determination of the intermingling point of yarns by an in-house method.

With the DIN 53830-3 standard, the linear density of single and plied yarns can be determined using the short-length method. The method applies to simple, plied, and textured yarns.

The method gives the number of stitches per unit length and unit area in most knitted fabrics.

This test is a modification of the ISO 7211-2 standard and it gives the number of threads per unit length of textile woven fabrics.

We offer two technically equivalent methods (AATCC 118 & ISO 14419) for determining the oil stain resistance of textiles. More specifically, the tests are used to assess fabric's resistance to wetting by hydrocarbons. A series of selected liquid hydrocarbons with different surface tensions are used, and the results are given as numerical values with high values indicating better oil resistance. Test results are often used to compare the oil resistance of different fabrics or surface finishes.

This test is used to detect optical brighteners with UV light according to an in-house method. Optical brightening agents (OBAs) are often added to fabrics by manufacturers to increase their perceived whiteness or brightness.

This test indicates the textiles resistance to surface wetting by water. This test can be used for any type of textile or fabric to study surface wetting. However, this test cannot be used to predict rain-penetration resistance, since this method does not measure penetration of water.

This method uses the rising height method outlined in the DIN 53924 standard to determine the suction speed of textiles against water.