What Is Recycled Polyethylene (PE) Testing?
Recycled Polyethylene (PE) Testing involves analytical procedures to assess the quality, characteristics, and conformity of PE materials recovered from waste.
Why Is Recycled Polyethylene (PE) Testing Important?
This essential testing ensures recycled PE meets specific industry standards (like UNE-EN 15344) and is suitable for applications such as packaging, films, bottles, and pipes. Applus+ Laboratories holds ENAC accreditation (LE 1680) for polymer testing, demonstrating our commitment to quality and precision. We also hold COFRAC for DSC analysis, density, tensile tests, and impact tests.
What Compulsory Recycled Polyethylene (PE) Testing Do We Perform?
Applus+ Laboratories provides a comprehensive array of testing services for Recycled Polyethylene (PE), designed to ensure your materials meet stringent quality, performance, and regulatory benchmarks.
Our expert services assess the critical physical, mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties that dictate the successful application of recycled PE. We also offer sample preparation from pellets or flakes to guarantee accurate and representative test results for your PE recyclates.
Our Recycled PE testing capabilities are meticulously aligned with the characterisation requirements outlined in UNE-EN 15344 and other relevant international standards.
Visual and Physical Characteristics of Recycled PE
These tests focus on the fundamental appearance, composition, and basic physical attributes of the recycled Polyethylene material.
- Density: Determined according to standards like ISO 1183-1, this is a key identifier for PE type (HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE) and consistency.
- Particle Size and Shape Distribution: Characterisation of granule or flake dimensions and form, which impacts handling, processing, and homogeneity of the recycled PE.
- Transparency through the use of Hazemeter.
Mechanical Performance Evaluation of Recycled PE
This suite of tests evaluates how the recycled Polyethylene behaves under various physical stresses, which is critical for predicting its end-use performance.
- Tensile Properties (Strength and Elongation): Measured according to ISO 527-1 and ISO 527-2, these tests determine the material's resistance to pulling forces and its ability to stretch before breaking – vital for films, pipes, and moulded parts.
- Impact Resistance (e.g., Charpy/Izod): Tests like ISO 179-1 (Charpy) or ISO 180 (Izod) assess the recycled PE's toughness and ability to withstand sudden impacts, important for durable goods.
- Flexural Properties: Assessed via standards like ISO 178 to determine stiffness and behaviour under bending loads.
Processability and Thermal Stability of Recycled PE
These evaluations determine how the recycled PE will behave during manufacturing processes and its stability under different thermal conditions.
- Melt Mass-Flow Rate (MFR): Performed according to EN ISO 1133 under appropriate conditions (e.g., Condition D, T, G, U depending on PE type), this measures the flow characteristics of molten PE, a key indicator of its processability in extrusion or injection moulding.
- Melting Temperature (Tm): Determined using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) as per ISO 11357-3, this identifies the temperature range over which the PE recyclate melts, confirming its type and processing window.
- Oxidation Induction Time (OIT): Measured by DSC according to ISO 11357-6, OIT assesses the thermal stability of the recycled PE against oxidative degradation, crucial for predicting long-term performance and suitability for applications requiring durability.
Further Recommended Testing for Comprehensive PE Evaluation
This suite of tests provides a deeper understanding of the recycled PE's properties, often recommended for specific applications or more stringent quality requirements.
Advanced Physical Properties:
- Apparent Density: Determined as per UNE EN 15344 (Annex B), providing information on the bulk density of the granular or flake material.
- Ash Content: Measured according to EN ISO 3451-1 to determine the amount of inorganic residue after combustion, indicating the level of inorganic fillers or contaminants.
- Filtration Level Assessment: Characterisation of the material's behaviour during melt filtration (e.g., by mesh size), indicating the presence of oversized or unmelted particles.
- Transparency using a hazemeter.
Composition and Purity:
- Polymer Presence Verification: Utilising techniques such as Infrared Spectroscopy (IR) or Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) to confirm the identity and purity of the Polypropylene.
- Residual Humidity: Measured according to EN 12099 (e.g., Karl Fisher method) to determine moisture content, which can affect processing and final product quality.
Enhanced Mechanical Properties:
- Flexural Resistance (Flexural Modulus and Strength): Measured according to ISO 178 (COFRAC accredited) to determine the material's stiffness and behaviour under bending loads.
- Tensile Properties (Strength and Elongation): Determined as per EN ISO 527-1 and EN ISO 527-2 (COFRAC accredited). These tests measure the material's resistance to pulling forces and its ability to stretch before breaking, vital for a wide range of PP applications.
What Are the Benefits of Recycled Polyethylene (PE) Testing?
Engaging in Recycled Polyethylene (PE) Testing with Applus+ Laboratories delivers substantial and wide-ranging benefits for your organisation and products:
- Recognised Expertise in Polymers: We have extensive hands-on experience with polymer science and recycled materials, giving us practical insight into their real-world behaviour and properties.
- Uphold Product Quality and Regulatory Adherence: Verifying recycled PE properties maintains high material and product standards for enhanced reliability and customer satisfaction. Our PE testing ensures compliance with UNE-EN 15344 and other regulations, facilitating legal conformity and market access.
- Boost Market Acceptance and Credibility: Providing certified test reports for your recycled PE significantly enhances its credibility, making it a more attractive and trustworthy option for buyers and specifiers as well as increased consumer and supplier confidence.
- Champion Sustainability and Circular Economy Goals: By ensuring the quality and viability of recycled Polyethylene, your organisation actively contributes to the circular economy, reduces plastic waste, conserves resources, and promotes the use of sustainable materials.
- Access a Streamlined Certification Pathway: A significant advantage is the ability to have both recycled PE testing and product certification services expertly managed by the same Applus+ team, simplifying processes and accelerating your time-to-market.
Why Choose Applus+ Laboratories for Recycled Polyethylene (PE) Testing?
Selecting Applus+ Laboratories for your Recycled Polyethylene (PE) testing requirements means partnering with an internationally recognised leader in materials testing, inspection, and certification. We offer distinct advantages:
- Recognised Expertise in Polymers: Our team's deep knowledge of polymer science and recycled materials provides a thorough understanding of their properties, performance, and associated challenges.
- Integrated Testing and Certification Solutions: We provide a seamless, efficient experience by offering both comprehensive recycled PE testing services and product certification from a single, expert, and coordinated team.
- Commitment to Reliable and Precise Results: Our meticulous approach to PE testing, stringent quality control protocols, and regular inter-laboratory comparisons guarantee accurate, dependable, and actionable data, empowering you to make confident decisions about your materials and products.
- Client-Focused Approach: We work in close partnership with our clients, offering tailored testing plans to meet unique requirements and address specific challenges related to your recycled Polyethylene materials.
- Global Recognition: Applus+ Laboratories is an internationally respected entity and test reports and certifications carry significant weight in global markets, helping you to differentiate your recycled PE products and enhance their market standing.
By partnering with Applus+ Laboratories, you gain access to world-class testing facilities, unparalleled expert insights, and a steadfast commitment to helping you achieve your quality, compliance, and sustainability objectives for recycled Polyethylene.