What Is Recycled Polystyrene (PS) Testing?
Recycled Polystyrene (PS) Testing involves a series of analytical procedures designed to evaluate the quality, characteristics, and conformity of polystyrene materials that have been recovered and processed from waste streams.
Why Is Recycled Polystyrene (PS) Testing Important?
This testing is crucial for ensuring that recycled PS meets specific industry standards, such as UNE-EN 15342, and is suitable for its intended secondary applications.
Applus+ Laboratories holds ENAC accreditation (LE 1680), as well as COFRAC and NADCAP for polymer testing, underscoring our commitment to quality and precision in these evaluations.
What Compulsory Recycled Polystyrene (PS) Testing Do We Perform?
Applus+ Laboratories offers a comprehensive suite of tests for recycled Polystyrene (PS) to ensure it meets the necessary quality and performance benchmarks. Our services are designed to assess various physical, mechanical, and thermal properties critical for the successful application of recycled PS. We can also manage sample preparation from pellets to ensure accurate and representative testing.
Our testing capabilities for recycled PS are aligned with the characterisation requirements of UNE-EN 15342.
Visual and Physical Characteristics
These tests focus on the appearance and basic physical form of the recycled PS material:
- Colour Assessment: Conducted via visual inspection to ensure consistency and meet aesthetic requirements.
- Shape Assessment: A visual examination to determine the form and uniformity of the recycled PS material.
- Particle Size Determination: We employ a proprietary method, agreed upon with the client, to assess the particle size distribution, which can affect processing and final product properties.
Mechanical Performance Evaluation
This group of tests assesses how the material behaves under different types of physical stress:
- Impact Resistance:
- Charpy Impact Strength (ISO 179-1): This test determines the material's ability to withstand sudden impact.
- Izod Impact Strength (ISO 180): An alternative method to assess impact resistance.
- 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.
- Flexural Properties: Assessed via standards like ISO 178 to determine stiffness and behaviour under bending loads.
Processability and Thermal Stability
These evaluations determine how the recycled PS will perform during manufacturing processes and under varying temperature conditions:
- Melt Mass-Flow Rate (MFR): Performed according to EN ISO 1133 Condition H, this test measures the ease of flow of the molten plastic, a key indicator of its processability.
- Vicat Softening Temperature (VST): Determined using EN ISO 306 Method A, this test identifies the temperature at which the plastic begins to soften rapidly.
Further Recommended Testing for Comprehensive PS Evaluation
This suite of tests provides a deeper understanding of the recycled PS's properties, often recommended for specific applications (especially food contact) or more stringent quality and regulatory requirements.
Advanced Physical & Mechanical Properties:
- Density: Determined according to EN ISO 1183-1 (COFRAC/NADCAP accredited method available).
- 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 PS applications.
- Composition, Purity & Stability:
- Ash Content: Measured according to EN ISO 3451-5 to determine the amount of inorganic residue.
- Volatils element (e.g.,TGA analysis for degradation): To assess how the material withstands processing temperatures without significant degradation.
- Filtration Test: According to UNE EN 15348 Annex F or EN ISO 23900-5 to assess the level of non-melting particulate contamination.
What Are the Benefits of Recycled Polystyrene (PS) Testing?
Engaging in Recycled Polystyrene (PS) Testing with Applus+ Laboratories offers numerous significant advantages for your business:
- Ensure Product Quality and Consistency: Verifying the properties of recycled PS helps maintain high standards for your materials and end-products, leading to greater reliability and performance.
- Demonstrate Regulatory Compliance: Our testing helps you meet the requirements of relevant standards, such as UNE-EN 15342, facilitating legal compliance and market access.
- Facilitate Market Acceptance: Providing certified test results enhances the credibility of your recycled PS, making it more attractive to buyers and opening up new market opportunities.
- Increase Consumer and Supplier Confidence: Transparently demonstrating the quality and characteristics of your recycled materials builds trust throughout the supply chain.
- Support Sustainability Goals: By ensuring the viability of recycled PS, you contribute to the circular economy, reduce waste, and promote the use of sustainable materials.
- Enable Informed Decision-Making: Detailed test data allows for better process control, material selection, and product development, optimising your operations.
- Streamlined Certification Process: A key benefit is the ability to have both testing and certification services managed by the same expert Applus+ team, simplifying processes and improving efficiency.
Why Choose Applus+ Laboratories for Recycled Polystyrene (PS) Testing?
Choosing Applus+ Laboratories for your Recycled Polystyrene (PS) testing needs means partnering with a trusted leader in materials testing and certification. We offer:
- 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.
- Integrated Service Solutions: We provide a seamless experience by offering both comprehensive testing services and product certification from a single, coordinated team. This synergy streamlines the conformity assessment process, saving you time and resources.
- Recognised Expertise in Polymers: Applus+ Laboratories has extensive experience and deep knowledge in polymer science and testing. Our specialists understand the nuances of recycled materials and apply rigorous methodologies.
- Commitment to Reliable Results: Our meticulous approach to testing and quality control guarantees accurate and dependable data, empowering you to make confident decisions about your materials and products.
- Client-Focused Approach: We work collaboratively with our clients, offering tailored solutions, such as agreeing on proprietary methods for specific tests like particle size determination, to meet unique requirements.
- Global Recognition: Applus+ Laboratories is an internationally recognised entity, and our reports and certifications carry weight in global markets, helping you to enhance your product's standing.
By partnering with Applus+ Laboratories, you gain access to world-class testing facilities, expert insights, and a commitment to helping you achieve your quality and sustainability objectives for recycled polystyrene.