In order to be able to provide the market with useful and reliable epoxy products, which are affordable, resources are required. These resources include a laboratory which, in addition to experienced and well-trained personnel, has access to all the measuring equipment required to measure the properties of the epoxy product. The properties apply to both the individual components and the hardened plastic. Of course, it must also be possible to analyse the properties of the raw materials and compare them with the analysis certificates issued by the suppliers.

Here are a number of examples of properties that the laboratory at Nils Malmgren AB measures.

Viscosity

The Viscosity is measured with a rheometer. The viscosity is expressed in Pas (Pascal seconds)

The yield strength is measured with a rheometer and indicates the force required for a thixotropic product to behave like a liquid.

Reactivity is measured by measuring viscosity against time at constant temperature. The reactivity constant can then be calculated.

Consistency and thixotropy are measured with a rheometer. The result of the measurement is a flow curve that shows how the viscosity varies with the shear rate.

We measure viscosity with a rotary viscometer or an oscillating viscometer. The rotation measurement is made either as in the picture above with the body in a beaker or between two plates.

Density

Density or specific gravity is measured for liquids using a pycnometer or well-calibrated vessel and a very accurate scale or a calibrated hydrometer. In all cases, a calibrated thermometer is also required as density is usually stated at + 20°C.

Mixing ratio

The mixing ratio is determined by analyzing the number of epoxy groups and the number of amino groups in the resin and hardener, respectively. This is done by titration.

Content

The composition of products or raw materials is determined by FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy).

Pot life

Pot life is usually measured at 100 grams of a mixture of resin and hardener tempered to 20°C. The time to a temperature rise to 50°C is indicated.

DSC

Tg (glass transition temperature) is measured with a DSC (differential scanning calorimeter).

Degree of hardening is measured with a DSC, and is stated as a percentage of complete hardening.

Mechanical properties

Tensile strength, compressive strength, flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, elongation, shear, adhesion, peel strength are examples of measurements made with a material testing machine.

Weather resistance

UV resistance is measured in a Suntest CPS + where sun, heat and water continuously affect the sample.

All the measurements that are made, according to current standards, provide the material data that results in a data sheet. The customer must be able to trust that the information in the data sheet is correct. The way in which Nils Malmgren AB shows the customer that we are reliable as a supplier is our management system for quality ISO 9001.

It is never expensive to buy reliable quality products.