Why to Test the Melting Properties of Plastics?

Why is plastic considered the best material and why is it widely used? Well, its flexibility makes it fits into any requirement which makes it the first choice among people. Plastic can be molded easily into any size and shape and can be recycled. You can also find polymers in a wide variety of colors, which eliminates the need to dye the material according to the need of the application.

For example, in toy manufacturing industries, there is a need to produce colorful toys to grab the attention of kids. To eliminate the step of dying manufacturers can easily choose colored polymers. Once the best quality polymers are taken into consideration, manufacturers can mold it into different shapes.

But here the question is, how to test the quality of the polymers? The quality of the polymers can be determined only by examining the properties of the polymers.

How to test properties of molten plastic?

Viscosity is one of the major properties of plastic that helps to determine the quality of the plastic. It helps to measure the sustainability of the product for any particular application. But why is it important to measure the melting properties of plastics? Well, it is important because plastic is used only after melting it down and then molding it into a required shape.

To understand the behavior of the plastics when subjected to high temperature, it is important for the manufacturers to know how the raw polymers will behave when subjected to the actual process. This will help him use the best material for the production of the final goods. But to get the actual results while examining the quality of plastics, you need a testing machine.

To test the molten properties of polyment, you need a Melt Flow Index Tester. It is a testing machine which is designed keeping in mind certain national and international test standards that can help you judge the quality of polymers appropriately by getting precise test results.

How does the testing machine work?

Melt Flow Indexer helps to determine the flow rate of the polymers when they are put in a molten state and the melted plastic comes out through an orifice every ten minutes.

The calculation of MFI helps in analyzing various different attributes of the materials such as viscosity, chemical structure, strength and so on. To ensure that the test is conducted correctly and you get precise test results, it is important to conduct the test as stated in the book of standard ASTM D 1238.

Here we have listed a few important things that you should keep in mind while conducting the MFI test. Let’s have a look.

• Always make sure that the test condition should be selected according to the material table as defined in the standard.
• If the test conditions are not mentioned for certain materials, then select 0.15 to 50 g/10 min
• Set the temperature of the barrel as per the instructions given by the manufacturer.
• Open the orifice and clean it appropriately before performing any new test to ensure that the particles of the previous test are not present inside.
• Visually analyze the orifice for any scratches or damage.
• Use a go-no-go instrument to check the diameter of the die orifice.
• The piston should also be checked properly for any scratches or damages.

These precautions must be taken into consideration by the users during the test procedure. Also make sure to perform the test per the test procedure mentioned and defined in the standard ASTM D 1238.

For more information on Melt flow indexer, contact us at +91-8882149230 or email us at [email protected]. We will be happy to assist you regarding your queries.