Laboratory testing services

In TGA, the sample is heated at a controlled rate or kept at a controlled temperature while its mass is weighed with an extremely precise scale. The analysis provides information about phase transitions, absorption, adsorption, desorption, chemisorption, thermal decomposition, and solid-gas reactions. It can also be used as a characterization and compositional analysis method. As a result of the measurement, you will get the change in mass as a function of temperature and time. A simultaneous thermal analysis (TGA + DSC) can be performed upon request. The type of heating cycle can be tailored to your sample (temperature ranges from 25 °C to 1100 °C), with various options for the surrounding gas atmosphere (air, O₂, and N₂). Please disclose the aim of the measurement and the desired temperature program and atmosphere(s) upon ordering.

Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) is used to determine transition temperatures and enthalpy changes of solid and liquid samples under controlled temperature changes. The analysis can be used to determine the melting, crystallization, and glass transition temperatures and their enthalpies, the material's amorphic and crystalline behavior, hardening and specific heat, material compatibility, and the effect of additives. The temperature range for the measurement is -170 °C to 600 °C, available atmospheres are N₂ and O₂. Please disclose the desired temperature program upon ordering: heating rate(s) (K/min), isotherms, and temperature ranges (min/max). If you have any doubts about these parameters, we are more than happy to help.

Measurement of thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity of plastic materials according to the ISO 22007-2 standard. Specific heat capacity per unit volume can be determined simultaneously for an extra charge. The method is suitable for materials with thermal conductivity from 0.01 to 500 W/mK and thermal diffusivity from 5×10−7 to 1×10−4 m2s−1. Thermal conductivity can be measured in a specific direction, for example, in-plane (x,y) or thickness direction (z). Testing can be performed at room temperature or in a climate chamber (temperatures from -40 °C to 300°C). Additional preparation cost applies to climate chamber testing. Please specify the desired testing procedure when requesting an offer.

Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) is a mechanical testing method used to characterize material properties as a function of temperature, time, frequency, stress, and atmosphere, or a combination of these parameters. DMA measures parameters for stiffness and damping. These are reported as moduli (stiffness) and loss tangent (damping). The moduli can be further divided into the storage modulus (E’) and loss modulus (E’’), which are the elastic and viscous components of the material, respectively. The ratio of loss modulus to storage modulus is a measure of the material's damping capacity. DMA can be used to study the following properties: Viscoelastic properties (E', E'', tan(δ)), Glass transition temperature (Tg), Secondary transitions (β & γ), Crystallization, Melting, Curing kinetics, Damping, Creep and stress relaxation, Mechanical properties (especially useful for small/complex samples), Long-term behaviour with Time-Temperature Superposition. The most common deformation modes are tensile, bending (3-point and cantilever), compression, and shear. The chosen deformation mode, conditions, and material properties selected for study will determine the difficulty and cost of the analysis.

A dilatometer is used to determine the linear thermal expansion of a material as a function of temperature. The temperature range of the measurement is generally between 25 °C and 1,600 °C. There is also an option to perform the test in a cryogenic atmosphere, which ranges from -175 °C to 300 °C. The typical heating rate is 3 °C/min. As a result of the measurement, you will get the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and the absolute change in sample length, both as a function of temperature. The testing can be performed in various atmospheres, including air, argon, CO₂, N₂, and O₂. Please contact us to get a quote. The price will depend on the testing conditions, so please specify them as precisely as possible.

This analysis is used to determine the gross calorific value (the heating value) of a solid biofuel at constant volume and the reference temperature of 25°C in a bomb calorimeter calibrated by combustion of certified benzoic acid. The heating value (calorific value or energy value) of fuel is the amount of heat released during the combustion of a specified amount of it. The package includes the calorimetry measurement and the measurement of C, H, and N content, which are needed to calculate the results. Please note that this method is available only for solid biofuels. If you require testing for any other material, please contact Measurlabs experts.

Hot-stage microscopy (HSM) analysis enables the direct visualization of materials under controlled temperature conditions. Capabilities include: Examining compound morphology and particle characteristics., Observing solid-solid transformations, melting/liquefaction, solidification, sublimation, and evaporation., Monitoring how different compounds interact, dissolve, or react with each other., Tracking crystal growth and growth rates., Utilizing the Kofler mixed fusion method for salt/co-crystal screening., Observing oxidation and other chemical reactions as they occur under heat.. The results will include microscope pictures and video showing the transitions during heating. Measurement specifications: Temperature range: 25 °C to 375 °C, Humidity control: 5–90% RH. Instrument details: The instrument set-up comprises a heating stage (hot stage) with a sample holder, coupled with a polarized-light microscope and a system that allows temperature measurements and video/picture recording.

Vacuum thermogravimetric analysis (vacuum TGA) is a specialized technique to study how materials behave at very low pressures, similar to those in space or certain industrial processes. This is in contrast to standard TGA, which is typically performed under atmospheric pressure. Vacuum TGA is used in various industries and is particularly useful for customers whose products or applications operate under reduced pressure conditions. Vacuum TGA provides detailed insights into the release of volatile substances, the breakdown of materials, and the emission of gases from various substances. Vacuum: up to 10^-4 mbar.

Cement material heat of hydration test using Isothermal Conduction Calorimetry (ICC) according to standard EN 196-11.

The oxidation induction time (OIT) is a measure of a material's resistance to thermo-oxidative degradation. OIT testing is performed according to the ISO 11357-1 standard using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). In the test, the sample is heated under a nitrogen atmosphere to the desired temperature, typically 100 °C to 200 °C. Oxygen is then introduced while the temperature is kept constant isothermally. The time until the material begins to degrade is recorded, and this is called the oxidation induction time. Testing is often used to assess the performance of antioxidants added to polymeric materials.

Understanding the composition of rubber materials is essential for material screening, quality control, and troubleshooting purposes. ASTM D6370 outlines a method to analyze rubber composition with the help of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). With TGA, rubber samples are heated to determine the amount of components present. The analysis includes the determination of: Amounts of organics (oil and polymer content), Carbon black content, Amount of ash (filler content). Testing is performed from a temperature of 50 °C to 800 °C. The heating stages consist of 50–550 °C in an inert gas (typically nitrogen) and from 300–800 °C in a reactive gas (air or oxygen). Please note that this method is not suitable for rubbers containing fillers that decompose in the temperature range of 50 to 800°C. These filler materials include, for example, CaCO3, Al(OH)3, and (3H2O).