The melt flow index (MFI)

a measure of the mass of polymer that is extruded through a capillary die at a

certain temperature and force. The sample can be in the form of virgin resin pellets
or ground material from a finished thermoplastic product. A sample is loaded into
the preheated barrel of the instrument, together with a piston and weight is placed
on the piston to apply force. When the right flow conditions are met a timed
specimen is collected. After cooling, the specimen is weighed. The collection and
the mass of the specimen are used to calculate the MFI value, which is the amount
of sample that flows in ten minutes (g/10min). We offer GMP compliant MFI testing
in accordance with ASTM D1238 1 and ISO 1133.205 2 standards.

Relative differences in several material properties can be inferred from MFI data.
The melt viscosity at the test temperature is directly related to the MFI as more
viscous samples will flow more slowly. MFI data also correlates to the molecular
weight of the sample. Polymers with longer chains or greater branching take longer
to push through the capillary and therefore flow more slowly. Differences in average
molecular weight can be inferred from a single test. Tests at the same temperature
with different load weights can provide information on the molecular weight
distribution. Finally, MFI can provide a rough estimation of the shear viscosity of the
sample through an inversely proportional relationship. The MFI test is significantly
quicker, and generally less costly, than the tests that specifically evaluate these
properties.

Another interesting application for MFI is in support of failure analysis. A sample

from a failed product can be tested for comparison to the material specification. The
MFI analysis will easily identify if the part has been manufactured with the wrong
polymer type. The data will also provide an understanding of the properties that
were previously described. Molecular weight is correlated to the mechanical
strength of a material. A faster flow than expected can be indicative of abuse during
processing. If processing temperatures or pressures are too high, the polymer will
be degraded and some of the chains will be sheared. The mechanical properties of
the product will be affected and the MFI will increase. Commercial plastic parts
typically contain fillers, additives, and colorants along with a polymer blend.
Imbalances in the recipe can adversely affect the mechanical properties and melt
flow results.

ASTM D1238-10 Standard Test Method for Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics by
Extrusion Plastometer. This method is on our scope of LAB accreditation.

2ISO 1133.2005 Plastics Determination of the Melt Mass Flow Rate (MFR) and
Melt Volume Flow Rate (MVR) of Thermoplastics
Melt flow testing is simply a measure of the flow of a polymer when melted. The
result of a melt flow test, called the melt mass-flow rate (MFR) or melt volume-flow
rate (MVR), is defined as the amount of mass or volume of a polymer that flows
through a small die at a specified temperature and pressure.

The melt flow test itself is simple and straightforward. A small amount of a
thermoplastic sample (usually in granule or flake form) is heated in a barrel at a
specified temperature, melted to a viscous fluid, and is forced out of a capillary die
by a piston loaded with dead weights. Once enough sample extrudate has exited
the die, it is removed and weighed, or the volume of the sample is measured by the
machine.

Vicat softening temperature

The Vicat softening temperature is the temperature at which a flat-ended
needle penetrates the specimen to the depth of 1 mm under a specific load.
The temperature reflects the point of softening to be expected when a
material is used in an elevated temperature application

A test specimen is placed in the testing apparatus so that the penetrating

needle rests on its surface at least 1 mm from the edge. A load of 10N or
50N is applied to the specimen. The specimen is then lowered into an oil
bath at 23 degrees C. The bath is raised at a rate of 50 or 120 C per hour
until the needle penetrates 1 mm.

Cathodic Disbondment: Coating resistance to disbondment at a holiday in the

presence of cathodic protection. Evaluated at temperatures from 0 to 150C
(32 to 200F) (CSA Z245.20/21 ASTM G8, G42, G95).

Adhesion: Wet adhesion (ie. immersion) at temperatures from 0 to 95C (32

to 200F) (CSA Z245.20, ASTM D870). Adhesion is determined by knife test
or pull-off adhesion (ASTM D4541).

Impact: Resistance to cracking and disbondment when struck at

temperatures from -60C to 95C (-40F to 200F) (CSA Z245, ASTM D2794).

Flexibility: Resistance to cracking and disbondment at bends from 0.5 to

3/PD at temperatures from -60C to 95C (-40F to 75F) (CSA Z245.20-02).

EIS (Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy): The stability of barrier

properties (permeability to water) are determined during immersion at
temperatures up to 95C (200F) (ASTM and ISO Standard under
development).

Hardness: Resistance to softening at temperatures up to 95C (200F)

under immersion. (ASTM D2240 (Shore Durometer), ASTM D3363 (Pencil).

Peel adhesion: Adhesion of tape coatings by peel after immersion in water.

(CSA Z245.21).
Abrasion Resistance: Resistance to abrasion. (ASTM D4060 (Taber), ASTM
G6 (slurry erosion), ASTM D968 (falling sand).

Penetration test: Penetration resistance of pipeline coatings (ASTM G17).

Cure: Extent of cure by differential scanning calorimetry (CSA Z245.20).

QUV Resistance: Resistance to deterioration during outdoor storage (ASTM

G53 QUV/Condensation).

Gouge Test: Resistance to directional drill type gouging. (CSA Z245.20)

Others: Many other test methods of evaluation as applicable.

Cathodic Disbondment Test (CAN/CSA-Z245.20 & NF A49-711[K] & NACE

RP0394[F]).

Coating Elongation Test (ISO 527 & DIN 30670).

Coating Flexibility Test (CAN/CSA-Z245.20 & NF A49-711).

Gel Time Determination Test (CAN/CSA-Z245.20).

Coating Interface Contamination Test (CAN/CSA-Z245.20).

Coating Cross-section or Interface Porosity Test (CAN/CSA-Z245.20).

Coating Moisture Content Test (CAN/CSA-Z245.20).

Coating Peel Strength Test (CAN/CSA-Z245.20 & DIN EN 10329 & NF A49-
711).

Coating Peel Strength Test on Specimen (NF A49-711).

Coating Peel Strength Test on Tube (NF A49-711).

Thermal Characterization using DSC (CAN/CSA-Z245.20 & DIN EN 10329 &

ISO 11357-1 to 6).

Coating Indentation Test (NF A49-711 & DIN 30670).

Coating Impact Resistance Test (NF A49-711 & ASTM G14).

SHORE Hardness Test (ISO 868).

Coating Flexural Properties Test (ISO 178).

Open Cell Contain (ASTM D 6226)

Coating Pull Off Strength Test (ASTM D4541 & ISO 4624).

Coating Adhesion Test (Hot Water Soak Test) (CAN/CSA-Z245.20 & NACE
R[J]).

Determination of Density by Immersion Method (ISO 1183).

Determination of Density by Gas Pycnometer (ASTM D6226).

Testing of Coating Adhesion or Cohesion Strength (ASTM C633).

Penetration Resistance Test of Pipeline Coatings (ASTM G17).

Non-destructive Measurement (NDT) of Film Thickness of Pipeline Coating

(ASTM G12).

Holiday Detection on Pipeline Coating (ASTM G62).

Determination of Shear Adhesion Strength of Coating (ASTM F1044).

Determination of Abrasion Resistance of Rubber (DIN 53516).

Determination of Tear Strength of Conventional Vulcanized Rubber and

Thermoplastic Elastomers (ASTM D624).

Open Cell Contain (ASTM D 6226)