The Polymer Laboratory of Razi Metallurgy Research Center was established with the aim of conducting research tests on various plastic, elastomer, composite, and foam materials, as well as providing technical services and consultancy. The primary responsibility of this laboratory is to conduct research and find effective solutions to address problems in the polymer industries. In 2007, this laboratory successfully obtained the ISO/IEC 17025 standard certificate from the Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran (ISIRI) and in 2008 from DAP Institute, Germany.
The activities of the polymer laboratory include identifying and examining the physical, mechanical, thermal, and other properties of polymers according to ISIRI, ASTM, ISO, DIN, EN, JIS, KES, PSA, JASO standards, etc. In addition to the tests listed below, this section, along with its equipment, is capable of conducting various performance tests. The main objective of this section is to utilize laboratory facilities and equipment for research and development purposes.
Research - Laboratory Services Provided at the Polymer Laboratory:
- Analysis of all mechanical and physical properties of polymers (rubber, plastic, composite): tensile strength, elongation, compressive strength, Cold crushing, compressive modulus, flexural strength, flexural modulus, tear strength, adhesion strength, Izod and Charpy impact strength (with notch and without notch), Falling dart impact, Shore A ,D hardness, Barcol hardness, density measurement, porosity determination, softening temperature (Vicat), heat deflection temperature (HDT), abrasion of soft materials, rebound, pressure endurance at different temperatures, Melt Flow Rate (MFR), carbon black dispersion, Shrinkage, water absorption, moisture content, dimensional changes analysis, ring stiffness, puncture resistance.
- Analysis of all chemical properties and identification of polymers (rubber, plastic, composite): FTIR (material identification), percentage and type of oil (plasticizer) in rubbers, percentage and type of mineral fillers, carbon black content in polyolefins, percentage of polymers used in some samples, resin percentage in composites, ash content.
- Thermal analysis of polymers (rubber, plastic, composite): Differential Scanning Calorimetry DSC (measurement of melting temperature Tm, glass transition temperature Tg, crystallization temperature, oxidation induction time OIT).
- Investigation of polymer resistance against weathering and chemical conditions: Aging (thermal), cold, weight and volume change, examination of changes in various solutions, chemicals, and oils, evaluation of all properties after exposure, ozone (Ozone).
- Preparation of polymers according to standards: curing of raw rubber and preparing sheets and tablets, injection and sheet preparation from granules, cutting and preparation of various plastics and composites and CNC, punching various elastomeric rubbers and thermoplastics, reducing thickness of rubber and composite samples, cutting stone and brick.
- Analysis of oil and paraffin:
Oil: pour point determination, 19-element oil analysis, viscosity measurement at different temperatures, viscosity index, etc.
Paraffin: melting temperature determination, fat content determination, FTIR. - Analysis of some chemical, mechanical, and thermal properties of mineral samples (cement, rock wool, ceramics ...): FTIR (identification of binder or resin in mineral materials), compressive strength measurement, tensile strength, flexural strength, chemical resistance, water absorption, moisture determination, porosity measurement, density.
- Analysis of some thermal properties of metal samples: Differential Scanning Calorimetry DSC up to 350-400°C, accurate determination of melting temperature of metals up to 350-400°C.
- Investigation of causes of polymer degradation (rubber, plastic, composite): identifying degradation causes and providing suitable solutions, introducing alternative polymers to resolve the problem.
- Compliance of chemical and mechanical analyses of polymers and grade determination: matching results with valid national and international standards, conformity with datasheets submitted with samples, providing certification according to standards, determining grade of some polymers.
- Investigation and conducting performance tests of polymers.
Most commonly tested products: various rubbers and plastics, composites, hoses, pipes, neoprene, geotextiles, geogrids, geomembranes, construction and shipbuilding composites, waterstops, various foams, types of wood, belts, different floorings, nylon, various automotive parts, cement, ropes, concrete, bricks, ceramics, tiles, various insulations, raw and cured resins, paints, different mastics, railway parts (guide and pad roll plates), various household appliances and toys, sealing tapes, stones, rock wool, various O-rings and diaphragms, etc.
Completed Projects:
- Investigation of the cause of degradation of impact-resistant polystyrene HIPS for use in refrigerator internal parts
- Investigation of the cause of degradation of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene ABS for use in refrigerator internal parts
- Investigation of the cause of degradation of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene ABS for use in fan coil units
- Investigation of the cause of degradation of polyester fibers after 10 days of use
- Study and extraction of production and molding process for manufacturing a urea formaldehyde-based part
- Investigation and extraction of causes of peeling and detachment of coating on a metal surface
- Investigation and extraction of reasons for O-ring failure during the process and introduction of a suitable replacement to prevent recurrence
- Investigation and extraction of reasons for bottle cap leakage over time and introduction of appropriate grade for use
- Investigation of plastic bottle bodies causing differences in label durability time
- Investigation of causes of degradation of rubber and composite gaskets in gas industries
- Determination of grade of some polymers and equivalence with existing grades