Tensile testing (polymeric materials)

What is it?

Mechanical testing is a procedure that includes tests, calculations, charts and consultation of tables in accordance with international standards. The mechanical testing of a material consists of subjecting a finished product or raw material that is to be used or processed industrially to situations which simulate the conditions that will apply during manufacturing and taking the material to its breaking point in order to obtain the mechanical properties.

What is it used for?

Tensile testing is the application of an increasing uniaxial load to the ends of the sample until it breaks, while, at the same time, the longitudinal deformation is registered. This process is widely used to characterise mechanical properties of metallic materials. It reveals a stress/strain curve that shows how the material reacts to the load applied during the test. Data from this test can provide important information for evaluating the mechanical properties such as tensile stress, yield stress and elongation at the yield point.

Equipment and working conditions

The equipment used to perform these tests is a SHIMADZU Autograph, with a load capacity of 100kN. Could be tested samples of circular cross-section with diameters between 4mm and 20 mm, as well as rectangular section samples up to 14 mm thickness and less than 50 mm in width. When required, the modulus of elasticity is determined using the SHIMADZU MFA 25 extensometer.

Example of use

Mechanical tests are used to ensure the quality of raw materials, components and finished products in a wide range of industrial applications, including:
- Component industry and suppliers of raw materials: Determination of mechanical properties of materials used in processes where polymers are processed (extrusion, injection). Determination of causes of component failure.
- Automotive industry: Verification of compliance with specifications of finished products with regard to mechanical resistance.
- Electrical industry: Verification of mechanical resistance of insulating safety elements used in critical applications.