Physical Testing
Physical testing plays a fundamental role in applications in the plastics, automotive, packaging and construction industries, as these measurements provide answers to the structural, mechanical and diffusion properties of a material. Choosing the right testing method is crucial for quality assurance, development and production process optimization. Our laboratory uses state-of-the-art instruments and decades of professional experience to determine physical characteristics, including ash content, glass fiber content, density, water vapor permeability or water absorption.
Ash and glass fiber content
The determination of ash and glass fiber content is important in the quality control of plastics, composites and reinforced polymer systems. During the test, the organic components of the sample are annealed at high temperatures, and then the proportion of fillers and reinforcing fibers is inferred based on the amount of the remaining inorganic part – the ash. This method is indispensable for checking production stability, validating recipes and comparing different production batches.
The test is particularly important for materials where the glass fiber or mineral filler content determines the mechanical properties, such as injection-molded plastic parts, structural composites or thermoplastic glass fiber reinforced injection molding materials. The method can be used to detect deviations in the material mixture, incorrect mixing ratios and manufacturing problems.
The test can be applied to SMC/BMC molding compounds, glass fiber reinforced composites, thermosetting and thermoplastic plastics, and various industrial injection molded products, among others. However, the method is not applicable to certain materials, for example, if the sample contains components that do not burn completely or decompose at the test temperature.
Determining the ash and glass fiber content provides an accurate, reliable picture of the product composition and is an effective tool for continuous monitoring of manufacturing quality, investigating complaints, and supporting development decisions.
Standards
MSZ EN ISO 3451-1
MSZ EN ISO 3451-4
MSZ EN ISO 1172
Density
The density of non-porous plastics is determined by immersion or pycnometer methods, which provide accurate and reproducible results. The difference in density can indicate even a small change in the raw material, a change in the filler ratio or a manufacturing defect, making the test an effective tool for quality assurance.
In the case of foam materials, the density test is performed according to a separate standard, which allows the measurement of the entire foam or only the foam core. This is especially important when the coating or skin layer significantly affects the mechanical properties. The test result helps to assess the elasticity, load capacity and structural stability of the material.
Density measurement is essential for the automotive, packaging, plastics processing and construction industries, as accurate and comparable data is needed to identify material types, validate developments and analyze complaints.
Standards
MSZ EN ISO 1183-1
MSZ EN ISO 845
Water vapor transmission
Water vapor permeability testing plays a crucial role in quality assurance in the packaging, food, pharmaceutical and construction industries. The purpose of the test is to determine the degree to which a given film, sheet or foam allows water vapor to pass through under specific conditions. This value is crucial for the shelf life of products, the effectiveness of vapor barrier systems and the long-term behavior of the material.
The water vapor permeability of films and sheets is measured in laboratory conditions, using standard instruments and test geometry. The method allows the diffusion resistance, water vapor transmission rate and vapor diffusion coefficient to be accurately determined.
The water vapor permeability of rigid foams is regulated by a separate procedure that takes into account the closed-cell structure, coatings or layer structure. This test is essential in all areas where foam is used for thermal insulation, sound insulation or as an internal structural element.
Knowledge of water vapor transmission properties is essential for selecting the right raw material, product development, and optimizing production technology settings.
Water absorption
The purpose of the water absorption test is to determine how much water a plastic specimen absorbs under given time and temperature conditions. Water absorption has a major impact on the dimensional stability, mechanical properties and electrical behaviour of plastics, and is therefore an essential part of industrial quality assurance.
In this method, samples are immersed in water or conditioned in a high-humidity atmosphere and the change in mass is then determined. The moisture absorption of different types of plastic can vary significantly, and the manufacturing technology can also affect the results. The test is particularly important in applications where the plastic is in contact with moisture for long periods of time – such as automotive interior parts, electrical components or outdoor products.
The test helps to identify inappropriate raw material use, manufacturing defects or structural problems that would reduce the product's service life. Water absorption data is essential for development, supplier audits and the objective investigation of complaints.
Standards
MSZ EN ISO 62
Type of tests
Physical tests – reliable measurement methods for precise determination of material properties
The aim of the tests is always to provide our partners with accurate, reproducible and comparable data with international standards, thus supporting the selection of raw materials, troubleshooting and meeting compliance requirements.
Determination of ash and glass fiber content
The ash content test is used to precisely determine the inorganic components of plastics. During the test, the sample is heated at high temperatures, so that the organic part burns off and the remaining ash indicates the amount of filler and reinforcing material. This method is essential for controlling production quality, especially in the case of plastics modified with glass fiber, mineral filler or other additives.
The method is also suitable for testing the composition of fiber-reinforced composites, SMC/BMC mixtures and glass fabric-reinforced injection molding materials. However, the test is not applicable for some materials, for example, for systems containing silicone-based or degradable components.
Density tests on plastics and foams
Density determination helps in identifying raw materials, estimating filler content and detecting manufacturing variations. The test is carried out using the immersion or pycnometer method, in accordance with standard specifications.
In the case of foams, separate standards define the measurement procedure, which also takes into account the coating, closed cell structure or layers of different hardness. The density of the foam plays a decisive role in the testing of mechanical behavior, elasticity and load capacity.
Water vapor permeability measurement on films and foams
Water vapor permeability testing is important for the packaging, food, construction and automotive industries, where it is necessary to know exactly to what extent the material allows moisture. The measurement results help determine the diffusion resistance of films, the water vapor permeability of foams and the behavior of layered or coated materials.
Testing for water absorption
The water absorption of plastics can have a significant impact on dimensional stability, mechanical behavior and electrical properties. The standard specifies four measurement methods that can be used to determine how much water a test specimen absorbs under given time and temperature conditions. The test is particularly important in automotive, electronics and construction applications where ambient humidity or immersion in water can affect the product's performance over the long term.
The role of physical testing in industrial quality assurance
The determination of physical properties is essential for production stability, the prevention of customer complaints and the appropriate selection of raw materials. Laboratory results can be used to check the consistency of raw materials, detect manufacturing defects or deviations, optimize injection or extrusion parameters and document compliance for supplier audits, automotive regulations or product development.
MÜKI LABOR Ltd. carries out these tests with a comprehensive professional background, modern instrumentation and decades of experience, thus providing its partners with reliable, accurate and industrially relevant results.
Contact
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Headquarters
1119 Budapest, Than Károly Street 17.
Location
1117 Budapest, Budafoki Street 187-189.
Müki Labor Ltd.
If you have any questions about our tests, services or your request for a quote, our expert colleagues are ready to assist you. Whether it is a standard test, custom method development, defect or failure detection or quality assurance issue, we handle all inquiries in detail and with a short deadline.
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