(888) 878-3090
What is Tensile Testing? Tensile testing is the process used to determine a material’s behaviour under tensile stress. A sample is gripped at both ends and stretched until it deforms or breaks — and everything that happens in between tells us something useful. It measures how a material responds to stretching forces, giving us a...
Introduction Material interfaces play a significant role in heat transfer and carry heat across or into materials. It depends on the thermal conductivity, surface roughness, and bonding characteristics, such as whether the interface between two materials is conducive to delivering heat or resisting its flow. Therefore, the phenomenon is commonly governed by thermal boundary resistance...
What Is ASTM D6653? ASTM D6653 — Standard Test Methods for Determining the Effects of High Altitude on Packaging Systems by Vacuum Method — defines procedures for evaluating how packaging systems respond to the reduced atmospheric pressure experienced during air cargo transport. It simulates the low-pressure conditions in aircraft cargo holds, which can cause sealed...
What Is ASTM D7490? ASTM D7490 — Standard Test Method for Measurement of the Surface Tension of Solid Coatings, Substrates and Pigments Using Contact Angle Measurements — is a test method focused on surface tension and surface energy characterisation through contact angle analysis rather than gas pycnometry. This blog addresses both the content of ASTM...
What Is ASTM D903? ASTM D903 — Standard Test Method for Peel or Stripping Strength of Adhesive Bonds — measures the peel strength of adhesive bonds between a flexible adherend and a rigid substrate by peeling the flexible material away at a defined angle (typically 180°) at a constant rate. It provides a quantitative measure...
What Is ASTM E111? ASTM E111 — Standard Test Method for Young’s Modulus, Tangent Modulus, and Chord Modulus — defines the procedure for measuring the elastic modulus (Young’s modulus, E) of materials from stress-strain data obtained during tensile testing. Young’s modulus is the most fundamental mechanical property describing material stiffness — it governs elastic deflection...
What is ASTM E1820 Testing? ASTM E1820 is a standard test method that defines procedures for determining the fracture toughness of metallic materials using crack-tip opening displacement (CTOD), J-integral, or K-based parameters. This test characterizes the resistance of a material to crack initiation and propagation under static loading conditions, providing vital data on its capability...
What is ASTM E1820-21 Testing? ASTM E1820-21 is a standard test method that defines the procedures for determining the fracture toughness of metallic materials using the parameters K, J, and CTOD (Crack Tip Opening Displacement). Fracture toughness is a critical property that quantifies a material’s resistance to the initiation and propagation of cracks under stress....
What Is ASTM E1980? ASTM E1980 — Standard Practice for Calculating Solar Reflectance Index of Horizontal and Low-Sloped Opaque Surfaces — defines a procedure for calculating the Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) from measured values of solar reflectance and thermal emittance. SRI is a single numerical parameter that characterises a roofing or paving surface’s ability to...
What is ASTM E21 Testing? ASTM E21 is a standard test method that defines the procedures for performing tensile tests at elevated temperatures on metallic materials. This technique examines the behavior of metals under uniaxial tension in high-temperature environments, focusing on mechanical properties such as yield strength, tensile strength, elongation, and reduction in area. It...
What is ASTM E384 Testing? ASTM E384 is the standard test method that describes the determination of microindentation hardness of materials using test forces that are usually in the range from 1 gf to 1000 gf (0.0098 N to 9.8 N). In such a test, the hardness of tiny volumes of material, such as thin...
What is ASTM E8/E8M-21 Testing? ASTM E8/E8M-21 is the standard test method that describes the procedures for conducting tension tests on metallic materials. The test determines mechanical properties, such as tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, and reduction of area, under uniaxial tensile loading. This approach encompasses test specimen preparation, setting up the testing machine, applying...
What Is ASTM E928? ASTM E928 — Standard Test Method for Purity of Benzene Determined by Freezing Point — is a classic purity assessment standard for benzene and similar aromatic hydrocarbon materials. The test determines the freezing point of the material; the closer the measured freezing point to the reference pure substance freezing point, the...
What is ASTM F1249 Testing? ASTM F1249 specifies the standard test method for determining the water vapor transmission rate of flexible barrier materials using an IR sensor detection technique. This test measures the rate of water vapor transmitted through a film or sheet material during a given period under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. The...
What Is ASTM B117? ASTM B117 — Standard Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus — is the most widely referenced accelerated corrosion test standard globally. It defines the operating conditions for a salt spray (salt fog) chamber that exposes metallic materials, protective coatings, and finished products to a continuous, controlled salt fog environment to...
What Is ASTM E1269? ASTM E1269 — Standard Test Method for Determining Specific Heat Capacity by Differential Scanning Calorimetry — provides a comprehensive procedure for measuring the specific heat capacity (Cp) of solid and liquid materials over defined temperature ranges using a Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC). Cp is a fundamental thermodynamic property characterising how much...
What Is Plasma Focused Ion Beam (PFIB)? Plasma Focused Ion Beam (PFIB) is an advanced analytical and nanofabrication instrument that uses a high-brightness plasma ion source — rather than the conventional gallium liquid metal ion source (LMIS) used in traditional FIB systems — to generate and focus a beam of xenon (Xe⁺), argon (Ar⁺), or...
What Is ASTM D6387? ASTM D6387 — Standard Test Method for Characteristics of Multi-Axially Stressed Polyolefin Geomembranes — evaluates the resistance of polyolefin geomembrane sheets to stress cracking when subjected to simultaneous biaxial and shear stresses representative of the complex loading conditions experienced by geomembranes in field installations. This test is part of the comprehensive...
What Is FTIR Spectroscopy? Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy is one of the most powerful and widely used analytical techniques for identifying organic and inorganic materials, characterising chemical functional groups, and detecting molecular structural changes in solids, liquids, and gases. It operates by measuring the absorption of infrared radiation at characteristic wavelengths corresponding to the...
In modern materials science, semiconductor manufacturing, and thin-film engineering, the ability to characterise elemental composition and isotopic distribution at nanometer-scale depth resolution — with parts-per-billion sensitivity — is often essential. Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (SIMS) is the analytical technique that delivers this capability, making it one of the most powerful surface and near-surface analysis methods...
In the landscape of surface analysis techniques, Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) stands out as a uniquely powerful tool — capable of detecting and mapping both elemental and molecular species on material surfaces with extraordinary sensitivity and lateral resolution. From semiconductor device characterization to polymer surface chemistry, from pharmaceutical analysis to forensic science, TOF-SIMS...
How SEM Works A Scanning Electron Microscope generates a focused beam of high-energy electrons — typically in the range of 100 eV to 30 keV — that is systematically rastered across a sample surface in a vacuum environment. As the primary electron beam interacts with the near-surface region of the material, several distinct signal types...
Introduction to EELS Electron Energy-Loss Spectroscopy (EELS) is an analytical technique performed in a Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) or a Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope (STEM) that measures the energy lost by electrons as they interact with a thin specimen. When the primary electron beam passes through the specimen, electrons lose characteristic amounts of energy through...
What Is ICP-MS? Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) is an elemental analytical technique that combines an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) ion source with a mass spectrometer to detect and quantify elements and isotopes at ultra-trace concentrations — typically in the parts-per-trillion (ppt, ng/L) to parts-per-billion (ppb, µg/L) range. It is the most sensitive commercially...
What Is GC-MS Analysis? Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) is one of the most powerful and versatile analytical techniques in modern analytical chemistry. It combines the separation capability of gas chromatography with the identification and quantification power of mass spectrometry to detect and measure volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds (VOCs and SVOCs) in complex matrices. The...
Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) measures changes in a material’s mass as a function of temperature or time under a controlled atmosphere. This versatile thermal analysis technique provides critical data on composition, thermal stability, decomposition kinetics, and volatile content for the plastics, pharmaceutical, chemical, rubber, food, and semiconductor industries. For companies seeking TGA testing at a US-based...
What is Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)? DSC is a thermal analysis technique used to measure the change in a material’s heat flow as it is heated, cooled, or held at a constant temperature. It gives critical information on phase transitions, melting behavior, crystallization, glass transition, and thermal stability of materials. Both the sample and a...
What is ASTM G85 Testing? ASTM G85 describes standardized test processes for modified salt spray (fog) exposure, assessing the resistance of metals, coatings, and surface treatments to corrosion. Building on a basic ASTM B117 salt spray test, it introduces controlled variations in exposure conditions, such as cyclic wet/dry cycles, acidic solutions, or the addition of...
What is ASTM E595-07 Testing? ASTM E595-07 is the standard test method that provides a means to determine the volatile outgassing characteristics of materials intended for use in vacuum environments, such as spacecraft, satellites, and electronic systems. When materials are exposed to vacuum conditions with higher temperatures, they emit volatile compounds that can later condense...
What is ASTM F1608 Testing? ASTM F1608 is a standard test method designed to evaluate the ability of porous packaging materials—commonly used in sterile medical packaging—to resist microbial penetration. This procedure quantifies the microbial barrier properties of a packaging material by measuring its effectiveness in preventing the passage of aerosolized microorganisms under controlled laboratory conditions....
What is ASTM E96 Testing? The most common testing used by the flooring industry for determining WVTR, permeance, and permeability is ASTM E96. This test measures the quantity of water vapor passing through a material under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. This test evaluates the material’s ability to act as a barrier to moisture, which...
What is ASTM G155 Testing? ASTM G155 is a standard practice that describes the operating procedures in detail for using a xenon arc light apparatus to expose nonmetallic materials to sunlight, heat, and moisture. This test method simulates the natural weathering conditions in a controlled laboratory setting to evaluate color change, gloss loss, cracking, chalking,...
ASTM E408 provides a straightforward, standardised method for determining the total normal emittance of surfaces using portable inspection meters. Total normal emittance is a basic thermal property used to measure the ability of a material to release thermal radiation in comparison to an ideal blackbody. This test is commonly used on coatings, metals, ceramics, and...
What is ASTM C177 Testing? ASTM C177 is the standard test method for determining steady-state thermal transmission properties using the guarded-hot-plate apparatus, which characterizes materials in terms of thermal conductivity, thermal resistivity, and thermal resistance. This test provides precision in measuring a material’s heat conductivity in the presence of a steady-state temperature gradient. The method...
What is ASTM D1709 Testing? ASTM D1709 describes the standard method of testing for testing the impact resistance of plastic films and sheeting using a free-falling dart. This test measures the energy required to cause failure (rupture) of a film specimen when struck by a dart dropped from a specified height. It provides a quantitative...
What is ASTM D256 Testing? Impact resistance in plastics, as measured according to ASTM D256, is determined by the Izod pendulum impact test. Under controlled conditions, a pendulum strikes the material, absorbing a certain amount of energy, and yielding a quantitative value for material toughness and the ability of the material to resist sudden impact...
What is ASTM D3985 Testing? ASTM D3985 describes a standard method for measuring the oxygen gas transmission rate through plastic film and sheeting using a coulometric sensor. This test measures the amount of oxygen passing through a film as a function of time, under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. The method provides a quantitative measure...
What is ASTM D4274 Testing? ASTM D4274 outlines the test methods for determining the hydroxyl number of polyols, which are a primary raw material in the production of polyurethanes. The hydroxyl number describes the quantity of hydroxyl (-OH) groups that a given polyol has, and is usually expressed in milligrams of potassium hydroxide (mg KOH)...
What is ASTM D5338 Testing? The standard test method, according to ASTM D5338, enables one to assess the aerobic biodegradation of plastic materials under composting conditions that simulate the biological activity occurring within an industrial composting process. This test measures the conversion of carbon in the plastic material to carbon dioxide (CO₂) through microbial action...
What is ASTM D1653 Testing? ASTM D1653 describes the standard test method for WVT through organic coating films. The test determines barrier characteristics of coatings when exposed to water vapor. It is significant in determining the protectiveness offered by a coating film to the substrate, such as metals, concrete, or wood, against corrosion, degradation, or...
What is ASTM D5511 Testing? The ASTM D5511 test method is a standard procedure for assessing the anaerobic biodegradation of plastic materials. This method quantifies the rate and extent to which plastics decompose in oxygen-deprived environments, such as landfills or bioreactors, through high-solids anaerobic digestion. During this process, microorganisms break down organic matter, generating biogas...
What is ASTM D5988-18 Testing? ASTM D5988-18 is a standard test method that outlines the determination of the aerobic biodegradation of plastic materials in soil. This procedure assesses the effectiveness and extent to which a plastic material is broken down by microorganisms under controlled environmental conditions that simulate natural soil environments. It measures the conversion...
What Is ASTM D638? ASTM D638 is the most widely used standardized test method for determining the tensile properties of rigid and semi-rigid plastic materials. Developed and maintained by ASTM International Committee D20, it defines the procedures, specimen geometry, equipment requirements, conditioning protocols, and calculation methods for characterizing how a plastic behaves under uniaxial tensile...
Introduction Emissivity (ε) is an index of the ability of media to emit thermal radiation (i.e., electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range 10-1 to 102 μm) in comparison with radiation emanation from a hypothetical “black body” with equal temperature. Some of the thermal radiation from really hot objects is visible. Its chemical composition and geometrical...
Chemical resistance testing for plastics is not a single-method discipline. Different standards have been developed to address specific application needs, material behaviors, and regulatory requirements — each with its own test geometry, exposure conditions, and evaluation criteria. For engineers and specifiers in the plastics & standards sector, selecting the appropriate test method — and understanding...
Introduction ASTM C423 is the standard test method for the sound absorption properties of materials using the reverberation room technique. The test method measures how well a material reduces sound levels in a controlled setting, essential for several applications, including acoustics for building interiors, automotive design, and noise-reduction products. A sound absorption coefficient (SAC) is...
What Is XPS and Why Is It Valuable for Battery Research? X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) — also known as Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis (ESCA) — is a surface-sensitive analytical technique that measures the elemental composition and chemical bonding state of the outermost 5–10 nm of a material surface by irradiating it with monochromatic X-rays...
Thin film organic coatings — ranging from nanometer-thick self-assembled monolayers to multi-micron automotive clearcoats and protective lacquers — are ubiquitous in modern manufacturing. They provide corrosion protection, decorative appearance, functional surface properties (hydrophobicity, adhesion promotion, lubricity), and barrier performance across the coatings & surface science industry. Characterising these coatings accurately — measuring thickness, adhesion, morphology,...
Introduction What is GISAXS? GISAXS is a scattering technique used in surface-sensitive nanostructure analysis and thin films. The scattered probe is either photons- grazing incidence small angle X ray scattering (GISAXS) or neutrons-grazing incidence small-angle neutron scattering (GISANS). GISAXS analysis is used to characterize mesoporous thin films, nano surface deposited particles, metal deposits on oxide...
Introduction What is Confocal Microscopy? Confocal laser scanning microscopy is an advanced optical microscopy technique that increases the resolution and contrast of images by employing spatial pinholes to remove out-of-focus light. Unlike optical microscopy, confocal microscopy allows for the three-dimensional imaging of thick specimens because multiple optical sections are taken at different depths. In this...
Introduction What is STEM? STEM (Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy) combines elements of SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) and TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy). It uses a focused electron beam to scan the sample, such as SEM, but with transmission through thin samples like TEM. This allows high-resolution imaging and analysis of internal structures at atomic scales. What...
Introduction Micro X ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (μ-XANES) is an advanced version of XANES. μ-XANES has excellent spectral sensitivity and less radiation damage. Its more significant penetration depth helps in performing bulk analysis. Unlike the traditional XANES, which uses soft X-rays, the μ-XANES uses high-energy X-rays of around 2KeV. However, it is rarely used...
What Is NanoIR? NanoIR (nanoscale infrared spectroscopy) is an advanced analytical technique that combines the chemical specificity of infrared spectroscopy with the nanometer spatial resolution of atomic force microscopy (AFM). The result is a probe-based measurement tool capable of acquiring IR absorption spectra and chemical maps from regions as small as 20–50 nm — far...
Introduction Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) is an analytic technique for elemental analysis and trace metals in a sample. The principle of AAS is that atoms or ions absorb light of a particular wavelength. Every element uniquely absorbs the wavelength, and measuring absorbance measurement helps determine the concentration of elements in the sample according to standards....
Introduction The transmission line pulse testing the behavior of device performance in ESD events’ current and time domains. The most frequently referred definition of electrostatic discharge (ESD) robustness is an event occurring when a limited transfer of charge between two objects occurs. During this process, intense radiation and current act on the electronic devices through...
What Is Powder X-Ray Diffraction? Powder X-Ray Diffraction (PXRD, also written pXRD or simply XRD) is a non-destructive analytical technique for characterizing crystalline materials by measuring the diffraction pattern produced when X-rays interact with a finely ground powder or polycrystalline solid. Each crystalline material produces a unique diffraction fingerprint — determined by its unit cell...
Introduction Time-domain reflectometry (TDR) is an efficient, non-destructive test that can determine the characteristics of any electrical or transmission line, and it shares similarities with optical time-domain reflectometry in a single-mode fiber, which is used in fiber optics. It also helps in deciding impedance characterization. The reflections in the cable signify discontinuities or incorrect termination....
Introduction Density Determination of Solids and Liquids is an experiment that allows you to measure the density of materials of regular and irregular shapes and several liquids by applying three different methods of determining mass and volume. Density is an ‘intrinsic’ property of materials and liquids; hence, its value remains unaltered if the quantity of...
Introduction Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) is the most common characterization technique applied to surface topographic studies of materials. Among the versatile and generally known analytical techniques for observing the surface of a specimen, Scanning electron microscopy SEM is an electron microscope in which the sample is scanned with a focused beam of electrons...
In the pursuit of increasingly stringent quality standards and tighter regulatory limits across the analytical chemistry & environmental sector, conventional elemental analysis techniques sometimes fall short — particularly when halogen and sulfur determination at ultra-trace levels in complex polymer, electronic, and environmental matrices is required. Combustion Ion Chromatography (CIC) bridges this gap, combining the complete...
Introduction Plasma FIB (P-FIB) is a potent and versatile tool and platform used in material characterization, sample preparation, and nanoscale machining. Although it leverages the traditional gallium-based FIB systems, a plasma ion source generates higher ion currents, enabling higher milling rates and the capability of working in larger areas. Plasma-FIB provides the precision cutting, polishing,...
What Is Precession Electron Diffraction? Precession Electron Diffraction (PED) is an advanced transmission electron microscopy (TEM) technique that applies a conical precession motion to the primary electron beam — rotating it around the optical axis during diffraction pattern acquisition. This precession reduces the contribution of dynamical diffraction effects (multiple scattering), producing nearly kinematical (single-scattering) diffraction...
Introduction to ASTM D4236 Safety is paramount in the world of art materials. Artists, hobbyists, and children frequently handle various substances, from paints and clays to solvents and adhesives. Ensuring these materials are safe for long-term use is crucial. This is where ASTM D4236 comes into play. Developed by ASTM International, this standard specifies the...
What Are ASTM Standards? ASTM International (formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials) is one of the world’s largest voluntary consensus standards development organisations. It develops and publishes technically rigorous, consensus-based test methods, specifications, practices, guides, and terminology documents covering materials, products, systems, and services. The ASTM standards library contains over 13,000 standards organised...
Introduction to Aerospace Component Testing Aerospace component testing is the rigorous scientific process of evaluating parts, assemblies, and materials used in aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, and rotorcraft against precise performance, safety, and durability requirements. Every component — from turbine blade alloys to composite fuselage panels, avionics enclosures to landing gear forgings — must demonstrate compliance with...
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — often called “forever chemicals” — represent one of the most challenging contamination problems facing the environmental & chemical industry today. Their extreme chemical stability, which made them commercially valuable for decades, now makes them extraordinarily difficult to degrade in the environment. Bioremediation — the use of microorganisms, plants, or...
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — the “forever chemicals” that contaminate drinking water, groundwater, soil, and biota at sites around the world — present one of the most technically demanding remediation challenges in the environmental & water treatment industry. Their extreme chemical stability, high water solubility, and resistance to conventional treatment processes mean that no...
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — often called “forever chemicals” — are among the most persistent environmental contaminants known to science. Found in groundwater, soil, landfill leachate, and even human tissue, PFAS pose serious threats to ecological systems and public health. As regulatory agencies tighten standards, industries dealing with PFAS-contaminated sites need robust, proven destruction...
What Are PFAS? Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large family of more than 12,000 synthetic chemicals characterized by extremely strong carbon-fluorine bonds — one of the strongest bonds in organic chemistry. This chemical stability makes PFAS uniquely resistant to heat, water, oil, and chemical degradation — properties exploited in applications from non-stick cookware...
What Is Radiographic Testing? Radiographic Testing (RT) is a non-destructive testing (NDT) method that uses penetrating radiation — X-rays or gamma rays — to create images of a component’s internal structure. Radiation passes through the material and is differentially absorbed depending on material density and thickness. The transmitted radiation is captured on film (conventional radiography),...
What is Magnetic Particle Testing (MPT)? Magnetic Particle Testing (MPT): A non-destructive testing (NDT) process for detecting surface and shallow subsurface discontinuities in ferromagnetic materials such as iron, nickel, and cobalt. Magnetic Particle Testing (MPT or MT) is a non-destructive testing method that detects surface and near-surface discontinuities in ferromagnetic materials by applying magnetic flux...
What Is Hydrostatic Pressure Testing? Hydrostatic pressure testing is a non-destructive examination method used to verify the structural integrity, leak tightness, and pressure-bearing capacity of pressure vessels, pipelines, cylinders, and piping systems. The test is performed by filling the component with a liquid—typically water—pressurising it to a specified test pressure higher than the design operating...
Overview of EV Batteries EV batteries are the key to the automobile industry’s transition from internal combustion engines to more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives. They determine electric vehicles’ performance, range, and overall efficiency, making them crucial to electric cars (EVs) success. What is EV Battery Testing? EV battery testing involves a series of rigorous...
Semiconductors: The Hidden Engine of the EV Revolution When most people think of an electric vehicle’s key components, they think of the battery and the electric motor. But between the stored energy in the battery and the mechanical power at the wheels lies a complex semiconductor ecosystem — power electronics, motor controllers, battery management systems,...
The Role of Test Equipment in Semiconductor Manufacturing Semiconductor test equipment is the instrumentation and systems used to verify the electrical, physical, and chemical properties of semiconductor devices at every stage of the manufacturing process — from raw wafer to packaged integrated circuit. Without rigorous testing, defective devices would reach end users, causing catastrophic failures...
What Is Semiconductor Testing? Semiconductor testing is the systematic evaluation of semiconductor materials, devices, and integrated circuits (ICs) to verify their electrical performance, reliability, and compliance with specifications. From raw wafer material qualification through die-level testing to final packaged-device testing, semiconductor testing spans the entire manufacturing value chain — ensuring that only conforming devices are...
The constant surge in new technologies keeps the GPU market competitive, with users seeking to cater to the ever-growing demands of high-performance computing. While the H200 stands as one of the flagships from NVIDIA for GPUs, engineers and any tech-savvy person is always eyeing what’s next. This blog looks through some of the top alternatives...
Introduction: Why EV Battery Testing Is Critical The rapid global transition to electric vehicles (EVs) has placed battery performance, safety, and longevity at the centre of automotive engineering. The lithium-ion battery pack is the most expensive, most performance-critical, and most safety-sensitive component in an EV — and rigorous testing is the only way to verify...
In material testing, ASTM standards play a pivotal role. They serve as the backbone for assessing material strength and mechanical properties. One such critical assessment is the tensile test. It’s a fundamental mechanical test that pushes a sample to its breaking point. The results of these tests are instrumental in various industries, from aerospace to...
What Is Tensile Strength? Tensile strength — also called ultimate tensile strength (UTS) — is the maximum stress a material can sustain when subjected to a uniaxial tensile force before fracture. It is calculated as the peak load recorded during a tensile test divided by the specimen’s original cross-sectional area, expressed in megapascals (MPa) or...
What Is a Scanning Electron Microscope? A Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) is a powerful analytical instrument that uses a focused electron beam to scan across the surface of a specimen, generating signals that produce high-resolution images of surface topography, microstructure, and compositional contrast at magnifications ranging from 10× to over 1,000,000×. SEM provides structural information...
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) are the two foundational electron microscopy techniques for high-resolution material characterization. While both use focused electron beams to image specimens at magnifications far beyond optical microscopy, they operate on fundamentally different principles and provide complementary information. Understanding when to use SEM versus TEM is essential for...
What Is Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)? Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) is a powerful microscopy technique that uses a focused beam of high-energy electrons to scan the surface of a specimen, generating high-resolution images and compositional data. SEM provides three-dimensional-appearing topographic images at magnifications from approximately 10× to over 500,000×, with depth of field far exceeding...
What Is Peel Strength Testing? Peel strength testing measures the force required to separate two bonded materials by peeling one from the other at a defined angle and speed. It is a fundamental adhesion test used across the packaging, automotive, electronics, and medical device industries to validate adhesive bonds, laminated films, coated substrates, and pressure-sensitive...
Introduction An electronic component failure analysis laboratory is essential in identifying the root causes of failures of both electronic devices and components. Techniques such as visual inspection, microscopy, and electrical testing help narrow down issues ranging from design flaws and material defects to manufacturing inconsistencies. They help point out the reasons for failure, thus enabling...
There are a few procedures you may follow when performing a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) cross-section analysis to look for hidden flaws. Here is a general rule of thumb: To obtain the PCB cross-section, carefully choose the area of the PCB where you think the hidden problem might be. In order to produce a cross-sectional...
Introduction to ASTM D648 and ISO 75 Heat Deflection Temperature Testing ASTM D648 and ISO 75 test procedures are developed for determining the Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT) of plastics. HDT is the temperature at which a polymer or plastic specimen deflects under a certain load. The methods apply to any kind of thermoplastic and thermosetting...
Scope ASTM D790 and ISO 178 are standard test methods used to evaluate the bending properties of rigid and semi-rigid plastics, including fiber composites with reinforcements. These methods establish a framework for measuring a material’s resistance to bending, maximum stress before breaking, and other relevant mechanical properties within bending loads. The Procedure ASTM D790 and...
Introduction What is ASTM D792, ISO 1183 Analysis? ASTM D792 and ISO 1183 standards are critical tests in manufacturing, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and construction industries. Determining the density and specific gravity relationship is essential for characterizing the qualities of materials. Understanding these characteristics guarantees that materials function as intended under specified usage conditions, permit precise quality...
DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) Introduction: Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) is a thermoanalytical technique used to monitor heat changes in the material concerning temperature. According to the temperature program, the temperature of the sample holder in a DSC study usually is increased linearly as a function of time. The heat capacity of the reference sample should...
ASTM D1003 is critical to environmental monitoring and product quality control. It helps assess the clarity and transparency of plastics, glass, and film. The ASTM D1003 standard provides a globally recognized method for measuring haze, offering a consistent and reliable way to quantify this optical property. Understanding and applying this standard is crucial for the...
ASTM D1894 Introduction: The ASTM D1894 testing method has been used to measure the coefficient of friction of plastic film and sheeting. This critical test demonstrates which materials might have slid over one another. It provides valuable data in most applications due to its importance in packaging and manufacturing installation with plants’ quality control operations....
Introduction: ASTM D1693 is the standard test method for ethylene plastics’ environmental stress cracking resistance. The resistance is estimated by immersing unstressed and prestressed specimens into chemicals at increased temperatures. As outlined in the test method, the controlled introduction of a defect introduces high local multiaxial stresses. Environmental stress cracking has been seen to occur...
ASTM D149 Introduction ASTM D149 defines understanding dielectric strength as paramount in materials science. This critical factor plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and longevity of electrical systems. Consequently, this article delves into the concept of dielectric strength and highlights its vital role in the electrical industry. Moreover, it focuses on the dielectric...
ASTM D150 Dielectric Constant and Dissipation Factor Introduction The ASTM D150 standard must be understood to measure the dielectric constant and the dissipation factor of materials, which are the critical electrical insulating properties. These metrics describe the electrical insulating properties of materials used in several applications. The standard details a test method for determining a material’s...
ASTM D257 Introduction The ASTM D257 test determines various properties of different materials that find applications in many industries. The primary aspect is how a material resists electrical current. Surface and volume resistivity measurements are vital in industries related to electrical engineering and materials science; they assist in assessing or estimating the insulation properties of...
Introduction Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) is a thermoanalytical technique used extensively in material science to measure the temperatures and heat flows associated with thermal transitions in a material. Understanding the properties of polymers, pharmaceuticals, and other materials is essential. This article focuses on DSC as defined by ASTM D3418, ASTM E1356, and ISO 11357. Scope...
What Is Compression Set Testing? Compression set testing measures the permanent deformation retained by an elastomeric material after it has been compressed to a specified deflection for a specified time at a specified temperature. It quantifies the material’s failure to fully recover its original thickness after the compressive load is removed — characterising the loss...
What Is Ash Content Testing? Ash content testing determines the amount of inorganic residue remaining after a polymer, composite, or organic material has been completely combusted at high temperature. This residue — the ash — consists of inorganic fillers, reinforcements, glass fibers, mineral additives, flame retardants, and other inorganic components that do not burn away...
Introduction ASTM D543 chemical resistance holds a vital place in material science. This test method covers the compatibility of plastics with chemical reagents. ASTM D543 enables the determination of the suitability of the materials for applications where there is an impending threat of exposure to chemicals. Chemical compatibility measures how best the materials can withstand...
ASTM E572 test method covers the analysis of stainless and alloy steels by Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (WDXRF). It provides rapid, multi-element determinations with sufficient accuracy to assure product quality.
The ASTM D2674 test is a standard test method for the analysis of sulfochromate etch solutions used in the surface preparation of aluminum. The ASTM D2674 standard specifies a method for determining the efficacy of an etchant used to prepare the surface of aluminum alloys for subsequent adhesive bonding.
An immunological method for quantization of Hevea Natural Rubber (HNRL) proteins using rabbit anti-HNRL serum. Rabbits immunized with HNRL proteins react to the majority of the proteins present, and their sera have the capability to detect most if not all the proteins in HNRL.
ASTM G65 measures the resistance of metallic materials to abrasion using the dry sand/rubber wheel apparatus. The quality, durability, and toughness of the sample are determined using this test. Metallic materials are ranked in their resistance to scratching abrasion under a controlled environment.
ASTM E2141 test methods provide accelerated aging and monitoring of the performance of time-dependent electrochromic devices (ECD) integrated in insulating glass units (IGU). This test helps to understand the relative serviceability of electrochromic glazings applied on ECD.
ASTM C724 test method is used in analyzing the quality and ease of maintenance of a ceramic decoration on architectural-type glass. This test method is useful in the acknowledgment of technical standards.
Provide your contact informationEnter Testing Details
Δ
Start Material Testing
Contact Detail I agree to receive email or texts from Infinita Lab Inc. View our privacy policy.
Start Testing
Talk to Experts
Please provide few more details before we connect with you.
Full Name
What Material or product do you have?
What analysis do you need?
How many parts or coupons do you have?
How fast do you need the results back?
Submit