Laboratory

Polymers and Composites

At Centro Technológico Riojano we carry out different tests aimed at researching innovative applications and verifying compliance with material requirements in terms of their nature as well as their final application.

Testing on POLYMERS and COMPOSITES

  • Quantitative determination of components using thermo-gravimetric analysis
  • Qualitative determination of components (polymers and other organic compounds) through Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR-ATR)
  • Determination of the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the materials
  • Thermal analysis via DTA and DSC
  • Content of polymer ash and rubber mixtures
  • Identifying of polymers, fillers and plasticisers in polymeric compounds via Infrared Spectroscopy
  • Analysis of pollutants, exudations, efflorescences and non-dispersed particles using Infrared Spectroscopy
  • Viscosity using the Mooney method
  • Determination of mechanical and dynamic rheological properties ( RPA Rubber Process Analyzer)
  • Electrical resistance measurement
  • Layer thickness measurement
  • Compression SET
  • Indentation hardness Shore A, Shore D, IRHD, micro IRHD
  • Determination of the force-deformation properties in traction
  • Density
  • Determination of the effect of liquids on elastomers
  • Crack resistance by ozone
  • Determination of solvent-extractable components
  • Compression set in traction
  • Determination of the stress relaxation by compression
  • Determination of the tear resistance (Delft, angular, half moon, trouser specimens).
  • Rebound resilience of vulcanizates (SCHOB)
  • Determination of the abrasion resistance
  • Preparing samples (vulcanising, thinning and die-cutting)
  • Premature ageing and heat resistance tests
  • Determination of the staining of organic materials after coming in contact with elastomers
  • Copper corrosion
  • Presence of sulphur in vulcanizates

Raw Materials

At Centro Tecnológico Riojano, we apply a comprehensive monitoring of all components that are going to be used in rubber and lubricant mixtures.

Testing of RAW MATERIALS:

  • Quantitative determination using thermo-gravimetric analysis
  • Determination of the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the materials
  • Determination of the pureness of materials by their melting point (DTA/ DSC)
  • Determination of thermal phenomena in materials (DSC)
  • Ash content
  • Identification of the nature and components using Infrared Spectroscopy
  • Viscosity using the Mooney method in rubbers
  • Determination of mechanical  and dynamic rheological properties ( RPA Rubber Process Analyzer)
  • Density of solids and liquids
  • Determination of solvent-extractable components
  • Determination of the gel content of rubber
  • Thin carbon black content
  • Determination of the material volatility of carbon black and white charges
  • Determination of the material volatility of carbon black and white charges
  • Evaluation of the dispersion in rubber
  • Evaluation of the properties in rubber of carbon black and white charges
  • Determination of the sieve residue
  • Determination of the content of acrylonitrile in NBR polymers
  • Determination of the kinematic viscosity
  • Determination of the viscosity index
  • Determination of the flashpoint in open cup
  • Determination of the refraction index
  • Determination of the hydrocarbon chain
  • Determination of the pH

Lubricants

Our team at Centro Tecnológico Riojano is involved in all the stages; from designing the lubricant to monitoring the raw materials, the production and the finished product.

Lubricant tests:

  • Determination of the kinematic and dynamic viscosity
  • Determination of the viscosity index
  • Density measurement
  • Determination of the flashpoint in open cup
  • Apparent viscosity measurement at low temperatures CCS (Cold Cranking Simulator)
  • Determination of the total acid number (TAN) and the total base number (TBN)
  • Water determination by Karl-Fischer
  • Refraction index measurement
  • Determination of the hydrocarbon chain
  • Determination of the pH
  • Identification of pollutants (water, glycol, solvent, soot, oxidation, nitration, degradation of additives…) in used lubricants
  • Determination of ash and sulphated ash
  • Copper corrosion test
  • Evaluation of the stability of emulsifiable fluids
  • Noack volatility simulation