Blogs

Microindentation Hardness of Materials Microindentation hardness testing is a popular method of testing materials to determine their hardness. This method of testing is useful in a variety of applications, including research, development, quality control, and failure analysis. Microindentation hardness testing involves measuring the depth or size of an indentation made on the surface of a...

Machining Performance of Ferrous Metals Machining performance testing is a critical step in the manufacturing process for ferrous metals. Testing helps determine the optimal cutting parameters, including cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut, for achieving the desired machining performance.  The various methods used for testing the machining performance of ferrous metals. Chip formation...

Pitting and Crevice Corrosion Resistance of Stainless Steels Stainless steel is a popular material due to its high strength, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic appeal. Even stainless steel can be prone to localised corrosion, particularly pitting and crevice corrosion. Testing the pitting and crevice corrosion resistance of stainless steel is crucial for ensuring its durability and...

Determining the Bond Strength of Steel Reinforcing Bars Reinforced concrete structures such as buildings, bridges, and highways are critical to our infrastructure and daily lives. The strength and stability of these structures depend on the bond between the steel reinforcing bars (rebars) and the surrounding concrete. The bond between the steel rebars and concrete is...

Microbial Ranking of Porous Packaging Materials Several methods can be used to evaluate the microbial ranking of porous packaging materials. One of the most common methods is the microbial plate count, which involves inoculating the packaging material with a known concentration of microorganisms and then incubating the material under controlled conditions. The number of viable...

Chemical Analysis of Glass Sand Glass sand, also known as silica sand or quartz sand, is a critical raw material used in the production of glass. Chemical analysis of glass sand involves determining the composition of the sand to ensure that it meets the necessary quality and purity standards for glass production. The main components...

Determination of the Mode II Interlaminar Fracture Toughness of Polymer Composites The determination of the mode II interlaminar fracture toughness of polymer composites is typically performed according to standardized test methods. The most commonly used standards for this purpose are ASTM D7905-17, which outlines the end-notched flexure (ENF) test method, and ASTM D7906-17, which outlines...

Specific Heat Capacity Measurement by Differential Scanning Calorimetry The DSC technique involves measuring the amount of heat absorbed or released by a sample as it undergoes a controlled temperature change. The sample is placed in a small container, such as a crucible, which is then sealed and placed in the DSC instrument. The instrument then...

Determination of Nonvolatile Matter in a Volatile Solvent The general procedure for this test involves the following steps: There are several standards that outline the test method for determining the nonvolatile matter in a volatile solvent. Some of the commonly used standards are: The specific details of the testing procedure may vary depending on the...

Thermal Shock Resistance by Water Quenching The general procedure for thermal shock resistance testing by water quenching involves the following steps: Here are several thermal shock resistance testing standards that involve water quenching, some of which are specific to certain types of materials or industries: Video 01: Thermal Shock Resistance – Part 1

Determining the Average Grain Size of Metallic Materials Here are the general steps involved in determining the average grain size of metallic materials using optical microscopy: There are several standard methods for determining the average grain size of metallic materials, including the following: Other methods for determining the average grain size of metallic materials, such...

Combustibility of Building Materials Combustibility testing of building materials is essential to ensure the safety of a building and its occupants. There are various tests available to determine the combustibility of building materials, including the following: There are various testing standards available for assessing the combustibility of building materials, including the following: It is important...

Factors Affecting the Efficacy of Disinfection and Sterilisation Disinfection and sterilisation are important processes used to control the spread of infectious agents and maintain hygienic conditions in various settings, including healthcare facilities, laboratories, and food processing plants. The efficacy of these processes can be affected by several factors, including: Microbial load: The number and type...

Linear Thermal Expansion of solids To test the linear thermal expansion of a solid, you can perform the following experiment:             α = (ΔL / L0) / ΔT            where ΔL is the change in length of the solid material, L0 is the initial length of the                material and ΔT is the change in temperature.  In summary,...

Shear Properties of Composite Materials by V-notched Rail Shear Method Composite materials are widely used in various applications due to their exceptional strength, stiffness, and lightweight characteristics. In the aerospace, automotive, and marine industries, composite materials are utilized to manufacture components that can withstand high loads and severe environmental conditions. The mechanical properties of composite...