Polymer and plastic testing
Polymer and plastic testing constitutes an essential service to evaluate the behavior, quality, and durability of polymeric materials in demanding industrial applications. At INFINITIA, we use these studies to validate materials, analyze their response under real usage conditions, and verify that they meet the technical and regulatory requirements defined by each sector.
In our industrial laboratory, we have specialists in polymer characterization testing who work with advanced technologies to study mechanical, thermal, chemical, and structural properties of materials such as polyethylene and polypropylene.
This type of analysis is particularly relevant in environments where plastic materials replace traditional metal solutions or form part of critical components, where any deviation may lead to in-service failures, economic losses, or safety issues.
What does polymer and plastic testing consist of?
Testing of plastic materials and polymers consists of the comprehensive evaluation of materials through methodologies that allow understanding their behavior from multiple perspectives. It is not only about measuring isolated properties, but about interpreting how the material responds to different stresses and environments.
At INFINITIA, this type of study is approached from an applied perspective, adapting each analysis to the real context of the component, with an emphasis on the thermal properties of materials like cellulose. Physical compression tests are carried out, including ISO, ASTM, and DIN standards, to ensure the quality of the tests for both traditional plastics and biodegradable plastics like PLA. Factors such as the type of mechanical load, exposure to environmental conditions, interaction with chemical substances, or the evolution of the material over time are considered, especially in the context of plastic production. This allows designing specific protocols that reproduce real usage scenarios in a controlled manner, using appropriate testing equipment for sustainable plastics.
Through mechanical testing of specimens, such as tensile, impact or flexural tests, together with advanced techniques such as DSC, TGA or FTIR, we carry out testing to obtain detailed information about the structure, stability and behavior of the material. These studies are complemented by additional analyses such as microscopy or climatic testing, which allow evaluating progressive degradation and detecting possible internal defects through analysis and testing.
Thanks to this approach, it is possible to anticipate in-service performance, identify deviations from specifications and understand the mechanisms that may lead to failures, facilitating decision-making based on objective data and proper material characterization.
Benefits of polymer and plastic testing
One of the main benefits of these studies is the ability to anticipate problems before they appear under real conditions, thus optimizing material performance from early stages of development or validation.
At INFINITIA, we have collaborated with companies in the automotive sector to evaluate materials subjected to cyclic loads, identifying degradation processes that were not detected using conventional methodologies. This type of analysis allows adjusting formulations, selecting more suitable alternatives or redefining usage conditions.
Likewise, in electronic applications, we analyze the behavior of polymeric compounds subjected to continuous thermal variations, verifying their dimensional stability and preventing failures associated with deformation or loss of properties. We also carry out studies in which chemical interaction is critical, evaluating resistance to aggressive agents or specific environmental conditions.
These tests help reduce field incidents, minimize costs associated with failures and improve the overall reliability of the product, providing a solid technical basis for decision-making.
Polymer and plastic testing at INFINITIA
At INFINITIA, we approach these studies from a comprehensive perspective that combines material analysis, forensic engineering, and comparative methodologies, including waste management strategies. Our objective is not only to obtain results, but to interpret the behavior of the material in its real application context, in accordance with ISO and ASTM standards.
We have advanced equipment for mechanical evaluation, thermal analysis, spectroscopy and microscopic observation, as well as climatic chambers that allow simulating accelerated aging conditions. This enables us to reproduce demanding scenarios and evaluate the molecular structure of the material over time.
Our approach is based on comparing samples in different states; for example, compliant versus non-compliant materials, and on designing specific tests that allow identifying relevant deviations in biodegradable polymers. This approach facilitates root cause detection, material validation and process optimization, providing added value compared to standard approaches.
Types of polymer and plastic testing for thermoplastic and polyolefin materials
At INFINITIA, we develop different types of tests aimed at understanding the real behavior of materials and validating their suitability depending on the final application. These studies are designed taking into account not only the intrinsic properties of the material, but also usage conditions, manufacturing processes and specific sector requirements.
In addition, these tests allow correlating material properties with performance in application, identifying relationships between composition, processing and final behavior. This approach is key to detecting batch-to-batch deviations, optimizing formulations, and selecting more suitable materials according to their real application, including traditional plastics and biodegradable plastic.
Mechanical testing of plastics and polymers in specimens or components
We evaluate the resistance of the material to different types of stress through tensile, flexural, and impact tests on thermoset specimens. These analyses allow determining key parameters such as elastic modulus, maximum strength, tensile strength, deformation or energy absorption capacity in rheological materials made of polymers.
Additionally, fatigue, creep or stress relaxation tests can be included to study the behavior of the material under prolonged or repetitive loads. These studies are especially relevant in applications where the component is subjected to continuous stresses or dynamic conditions.
In demanding applications, these tests are essential to validate materials, compare alternatives and ensure that they meet design requirements without compromising the integrity of the component over time.
Thermal testing and behavior with respect to temperature
Through techniques such as DSC and TGA, we analyze thermal stability, material transitions such as glass transition temperature or melting, and degradation with respect to temperature.
These studies allow evaluating material behavior under real operating conditions, identifying possible structural changes, loss of properties, or thermal degradation in types of plastic. They are also used to analyze the influence of additives, fillers, or manufacturing processes on material stability, including the effects on plastic waste.
They are especially relevant in applications where materials are subjected to continuous thermal cycles, high temperatures or sudden temperature changes.
Chemical testing of polymer materials and plastic pollution resistance
We evaluate the response of the material to chemical substances, humidity or radiation, analyzing possible degradation processes such as swelling, oxidation, hydrolysis or loss of mechanical properties.
These tests allow determining the compatibility of the material with its environment of use, as well as its resistance to aggressive agents present in real operating conditions.
This type of analysis is key in applications where the material is in contact with fluids, chemical products or outdoor environments, allowing anticipation of failures and improvement of material selection.
Chemical, physical and structural characterization of polymers including recyclable and biodegradable plastic materials
Using techniques such as FTIR, optical or electron microscopy, we analyze the composition and internal structure of the material, detecting defects, inclusions, contaminations or variations between batches.
These studies allow identifying materials such as polystyrene, verifying formulations, and analyzing phase distribution or additives like starch. In more complex materials, aspects such as crystallinity or structural orientation can also be evaluated.
This type of analysis is key both in raw material validation and failure investigation, allowing understanding the origin of deviations in material behavior.
Accelerated aging and durability testing
We simulate extreme conditions through exposure to UV radiation, temperature, humidity or combined cycles to evaluate the evolution of the material over time.
These tests allow controlled reproduction of degradation processes that occur in service, such as loss of mechanical properties, color changes, or cracking in resins derived from polymerization, which is crucial for addressing plastic pollution.
Thanks to these studies, it is possible to estimate the lifetime of the material, compare alternatives and validate its long-term behavior, reducing uncertainty in critical applications.
Applications of polymer and plastic testing
Polymeric material testing has key applications across a wide range of industrial sectors, where its behavior directly affects the performance, safety and service life of the final product. Unlike other materials, polymers such as ethylene are highly sensitive to factors such as temperature, load, or chemical environment, making validation under representative conditions essential.
At INFINITIA, we perform advanced testing to characterize plastic materials, validate their behavior in service and optimize their selection according to each application. Our approach allows not only verifying initial properties, but also anticipating their evolution, detecting deviations and reducing risks associated with their use in demanding environments.
Automotive Industry: Validation of polymeric materials under real usage conditions
In the automotive sector, polymeric materials, including polyester, allow reducing weight, improving energy efficiency, and optimizing costs, while maintaining high standards of safety and durability. Their application in interior, exterior and structural components requires stable behavior under multiple stresses.
- Evaluation of mechanical resistance in components, including mechanical testing of specimens: analysis under vibrations, impacts, and cyclic loads in parts subjected to continuous use, particularly those made from rubber.
- Behavior under temperature: study of thermal stability under real conditions such as engine compartments or interiors exposed to solar radiation.
- Accelerated aging testing: simulation of combined cycles of temperature, humidity and UV radiation to anticipate degradation of synthetic polymers or recycled polymers.
At INFINITIA, we have collaborated with automotive suppliers identifying premature degradation associated with formulations or processes, avoiding in-service failures and supply chain rejections.
Aerospace: Evaluation of materials in high structural demand environments
In aerospace, materials must ensure reliable behavior under extreme conditions, where factors such as temperature, pressure or humidity can significantly affect their integrity. Validation of these materials, particularly thermoplastic and biodegradable polymers, is critical to ensure safety and performance in operation.
- Impact evaluation: analysis of visible and non-visible damage in materials subjected to sudden loads.
- Simulation of severe environmental conditions: exposure to humidity, temperature and pressure to evaluate stability.
- Structural integrity study: detection of internal defects, discontinuities or degradation of the polymer matrix.
At INFINITIA, we reproduce real operating conditions to validate material behavior in accordance with aerospace sector requirements, focusing on types of plastic used in this industry.
Electronics: Thermal behavior and functional stability of polymers
In electronic devices, polymeric materials play a key role in insulation, encapsulation and structural support. Their behavior under temperature and thermal cycles is critical to ensure system reliability.
- Thermal behavior analysis: identification of transitions and degradation as a function of temperature of thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics is essential for ensuring material performance.
- Evaluation after thermal cycles: study of the effect of repeated expansions and contractions on the material and its joints.
- Dimensional stability control: verification of deformations that may affect assembly or operation, especially in thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics.
At INFINITIA, we help a manufacturer, and validate materials to prevent functional failures and ensure product stability during prolonged use.
Packaging: Material compatibility and resistance under storage conditions
In the packaging sector, materials like polystyrene and PLA must ensure product protection, maintain integrity, and prevent unwanted interactions throughout their service life. Factors such as storage, transport and contact with the product are critical.
- Mechanical evaluation: analysis of resistance to impacts, compression and handling during transport and storage.
- Chemical compatibility: study of possible migrations or interactions with the content.
- Storage stability testing: simulation of real conditions to evaluate behavior in the medium and long term.
At INFINITIA, we ensure that materials perform their function without compromising product quality, avoiding issues in real use, especially when considering the use of plastics.
Construction: Durability of materials under prolonged environmental exposure and waste management
In construction applications, polymeric materials, including synthetic polymers, must maintain their properties over long periods in environments exposed to radiation, humidity and thermal variations. Progressive degradation may compromise both functionality and safety.
- Evaluation against radiation and humidity: analysis of the effect of continuous exposure to climatic agents.
- Study of degradation processes: identification of aging, cracking or loss of properties.
- Long-term behavior: simulation of prolonged conditions to evaluate material evolution, especially in elastomers.
At INFINITIA, we validate materials for structural applications and coatings, ensuring durability in real environments.
Consumer Goods: Evaluation of quality, use and material consistency
In consumer products, polymeric materials must provide reliable and consistent performance, maintaining their properties over time and meeting user quality expectations.
- Wear resistance evaluation: analysis of behavior under repeated use or continuous contact.
- Stability under usage conditions: verification against temperature, humidity or household agents.
- Batch variability control: analysis of consistency in properties to ensure production uniformity.
At INFINITIA, we help improve final product quality, reduce incidents, and ensure reliable performance under real usage conditions, while also focusing on recycling and reducing plastic waste.
Polymer research and development and recycling testing with INFINITIA
Polymer and plastic testing is a fundamental tool to ensure the reliability of materials in demanding industrial environments. At INFINITIA, these studies allow not only evaluating properties, but understanding the real behavior of the material in service, especially in polymers and plastics.
Our approach combines advanced analysis, comparison between samples, and the design of tailored tests, enabling failure anticipation, material optimization, and risk reduction associated with their use, particularly for recycled polymers.
The evolution of the sector points towards greater integration of advanced techniques, digitalization and simulation of behavior under real conditions. At INFINITIA, we are already working in this direction, developing solutions based on technical knowledge and applied experience in the field of polysaccharides.
Having INFINITIA as a technological partner allows transforming information into decisions, improving quality, safety and product competitiveness.
