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10 ppb screening or NIAS screening (non-target analysis) semiquantitative
Semi-quantitative screening for the presence of NIAS (non-intentionally added substances) or some SML substances by GC/MS after migration with food simulant ethanol 95% for foods with hydrophilic or lipophilic properties or simulant E (poly(2,6-diphenyl-p-phenylene oxide or Tenax ®) for dry foods. In principle, substances with molecular weights of approx. 100 - 700 Dalton (or approx. 100 -700 g/mol) can be detected.

Mineral oils MOSH, POSH and MOAH
Determination of mineral oil hydrocarbons, MOSH (mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons), POSH (polyolfin oligomeric saturated hydrocarbons) and MOAH (mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons) in food, in food simulants, in packagings or investigation of the barrier of packaging materials against it.

Slip agent content in polyolefines, EA (Erucamide) and OA (oleamide), qualitative and quantitative
Slip agents based on fatty acid amides, such as Erucamide and oleamide, are among the most commonly used additives, particularly in polyethylene and polypropylene films. Analysis by GC-MS after solvent extraction, limit of detection ESA 220 ppm, OESA 120 ppm. Lower limits and other materials on request.

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sensory analysis of packaging materials/transition of sensory perceptible substances to (test) foodstuffs
Organoleptic determination of the flavour transition (gustatory, olfactory and trigeminal sensations may be influenced by tactile, thermal, painful and/or kinaestesic effects) from packaging materials to standard test foodstuffs, commonly known as the "Robinson test", as well as change in appearance and odour of the (test) foodstuff.

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Impact resistance by free-falling dart method (Dart Drop), staircase method
This is a widely used and significant test for assessing the impact strength of films. The test is used, for example, for quality monitoring and comparison of films. The Dart Drop impact strength reacts sensitively to quality imperfections on recycled compound blending, formulation inconsistencies, oxidative degradation and strain e.g. from folding, embossing, laser treatment etc..

coefficient of friction COF
Determination of the static (static friction) µs and kinetic coefficient of friction (sliding friction) µD

Tensile test films and laminates (temperature range - 40 up to + 120 °C)
Determination of: secant modulus, tensile strength, elongation at break (accredited test method)

Sealing and welding properties of films, verification and comparison by laboratory sealing press
Production of sealing or welding seams on our laboratory sealing press (Kopp) and testing of the sealing seams with the Zwick tensile testing machine. The seals are made using previously agreed parameters. To create sealing curves individual parameters are varied, e.g. for determining the dependence of the sealing properties on the sealing temperature Ts [° C]. Of course, sealing curves can also determined depending on sealing pressure ps [N/cm] or sealing time ts [s]. Typically, a parameter is varied over 5 equal levels and the results are plotted graphically as a function of the variables (accredited test).

Puncture resistance, quasi-statical (temperature range - 40 up to + 120 °C)
Test performed with Zwick, tensile, compression tester, testing speed 25 resp. 100 mm/min. Tests carried out at room temperature for the standard price. For tests in the thermal chamber additional charge. The minimum and maximum technically feasible temperature ranges are dependent on the material. We will gladly advise you.

Grammage, yield
Determination of the grammage (e.g. plastic film and fabric or nonwoven, packaging film, paper and cardboard, aluminum foil for thickness measurement), calculation of the yield (in the dimension [m²/kg material]).

Determination of thickness of plastic films, aluminium foils, plane multilayer-materials and sheets
Determination by mechanical scanning (accredited test method)

Bond strength/peel force of laminates/multi-layer films/bondings (temperature range - 40 up to + 120 °C)
DIN 53357 A (historical)/ASTM F 904/DIN EN ISO 11339 peel test after separation of the laminated layers (accredited test method)

Surface resistance/resistivity
With circular electrode or polymeric blade electrode (Bayer electrode). Documentation in report as direct result (depending on electrode) and surface resistivity. Conditioning as agreed, measurements even under conditions deviating from the standard climate of 23°C/50% r. h. possible in climate chamber.

Tear resistance (Elmendorf)
The examination of the tearing behavior by using the Elmendorf Tear Tester is a dynamic (impact) test. It is e. g. suitable for verifying the effectiveness of easy opening devices on plastic bags, and assessing the influence of stretching processes or reduced wall thickness on film properties. The test can be performed on paper, films, flexible laminated films etc.

FINAT peel adhesion
Determination of the peel adhesion of adhesive labels, self-adhesive tapes against standard glass or other surfaces / adhesives.

Tensile test aluminium films
DIN EN 546-2 determination of tensile strength RM, max. load Fmax, elongation at break A100 oder A50

storage test/ accelerated aging in lab drying oven or refrigerator (controlled temperature)
Storage tests with or without filling good for estimating the long-term stability of materials and packages. The storage tests, depending on the requirements, could be carried out in lab drying oven (convection), refrigerator, explosion-protected heating chamber (e.g. solvent-based media,T1- T3 max 105 °C;T 4 max. 70 °C), climate chamber (humidity and temperature controlled, temperature and humidity cycles possible). Please select the appropriate method to avoid unnecessary costs. Tests by this method are common for accelerated assessment of material aging for long-term applications, also in terms of resistance against chemicals, foodstuffs or other filling goods. The assesment looks purely on technical aspects, for the assessment of compliance with food legislation is referred to relevant legal requuirements. Nevbermind, we strongly recommend parallel tests under real storage conditions to validate the meaningfulness of accelerated aging tests. To prepare an offer we need the following information: What type of packaging should be tested (size, filling volume)? How many packages should be stored? Are the packages empty or do they have to be emptied before testing? Which contents are involved (CAS no./ safety data sheet)? How long should the packages be stored? Under what ambient conditions should the packages be stored (temperature, controlled relative humidity)?

sealing properties of plastic films/ Hot- Tack- Test
Only suitable for flexible films. Preparing of sealings and testing by means of Hot-Tack- Tester (KOPP- apparatus) analogue ASTM F 1921.The tests are prepared by ​​using pre-agreed parameters. To create sealing curves individual parameters are varied, e.g. for determining the dependence of the sealing properties on the sealing temperature Ts [° C]. Of course, sealing curves can also determined as a function of cooling time [ms], sealing pressure ps [N / cm], sealing time ts [s] or testing speed [m/s]. Typically, one parameter is varied over 5 equal steps and the results are plotted graphically as a function of the variable. (accredited test).

Gelboflextest/Brugger KFT
Wrinkle test in which a piece of film of approx. DIN A 4 size is cylindrically wrung up at an angle of max. 440 ° in the Brugger KFT tester. Usually 100 cycles are performed, afterwards the sample is tested e. g. on hole formation, delamination, oxygen or water vapour transmission rate, optical density or the like. The base price includes the examination of max. 4 sheets over 100 cycles at an angle of max. 440 °. Other test conditions are available upon request, calculation according to time spent. Minimum sample size 280 mm x 200 mm.

Tensile-impact strength
The tensile-impact strength is a tensile test with a relatively high deformation rate. It is well known that materials sometimes behave brittle under dynamic loads, whereas they can appear plastic and deformable in the quasi-static, classical tensile test. This can lead to unpredictable breakage of packaging materials and technical products, e.g. under impact and drop stress.

Wetting tension (e.g. for determination of Corona treatment intensity)
Suitable for plastic films and sheets (Union Carbide test) as well as for plastic coatings on paper and other substrates. The test is carried out by wetting the material surface by coloured inks with specified wetting tension for determination of the critical surface tension.. Standard parameter for the assessment of surface tension after corona treatment (also called "dyn-number"). Also suitable for troubleshooting e.g. anti-sealing effect, reverse side treatment, blocking or corona perforation.

Seal resistance of printings or coatings (heat resitance)
Over sealing of the sample against fine paper by laboratory sealer with smooth or structurated sealing bars, determination of max Ts [°C] till deterioration of printing or laquer (adhesion, discoloration) with constant ps [N/cm²], ts [s].

Seal seam quality of PE- pouches or sacks (temperature range -40 to +120 °C)
You send us in pouches, sacks or sealings made of polyethylene film. We determine the seal strength quality in [%] relative to film strength, according GKV-test and evaluation clause Leaf III or DIN 55543-3 per seal (e.g. bottom seam) n = 10 individual measurements to lot size 5000 pieces, additional measurements for larger lots optional. The strength of unsealed flim is measured and set in relation to the strength of the seal tested under identical conditions.

linear dimensional changes/ dimensional stability/ temperature stability of films and sheets
Determination of linear dimensional changes after exposure to temperature (till ca. 175°C, depending on material) of plastic films and sheets. Please select testing temperature. For shrink films we recommend the examination of shrinkage or shrinking stress.

Tear resistance (also folded edges), (temperature range - 40 up to + 120 °C)
Methods available: trapezoid, trouser, on request: FhG leaflet 6 part 9 (folded edges, trapezoide - extra charge!), Graves

Abrasion test of printings acc. Dr. Ruf method
Determination of abrasion resistance of printings, laqcuers etc. The test can be performed dry (as received), wet (after immersion in water) or after storage in liquid media/filling goods respectively after other pretreatments (sterilization, UV irradiation).

weathering test/ light fastness- exposure to laboratory light sources or artificial weathering/UV- test
DIN EN ISO 4892-2; with filtered xenon arc lamp, sample area max. 240 x 400 mm²); with water sprinkling (water spray) or dry. Also possible is the determination of light fastness, e.g. from printink inks or coloured materials, acc. DIN ISO 12040 bluescale (wool standard)/ fastness level 1-8.

Fat repellent impregnation of paper, lipophobic properties;Kit-Test
3M-Kit-test, classification of the fat impregnation of papers by wetting tests with solutions on basis of (castor-oil, n-heptane, toluene. If the resistance of plastic- coatings/ laquers, e.g. on paper, against fat penetration should be tested please select the method "penetrability of fat/ fat- proof test".

curling or flatness
The curl of sheet materials depends generally on temperature and conditioning state. So multilayer materials produced by usage of materials having different coefficients of thermal expansion or unequal expansion/ shrinkage due to differing hygroscopic tendency may tend to curl caused by a kind of bi-metall effect. In addition to that excessive mechanical stress in the processing of rolls can cause curl.

Impact resistance by the free-falling dart method – Instrumented puncture test
Impact resistance test in a drop impact tester, test speed approx. 4.4 m/s, for simulating impact-like stresses similar to the test of the drop hammer method (Dart Drop). In comparison to the Dart Drop test, the determination of the characteristic value is done electronically by means of a piezo force sensor in the drop probe as well as a light gate for deformation measurement and not by iterative variation of the impact mass (staircase method). Therefore, in addition to the damage force, results are also obtained for the deformation to fracture or the damage work. An older method according to specifications of the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging also allows testing of folded edges on premature damage.

Compression test on cups, buckets and basins (temperature range - 40 up to + 120 °C)
DIN EN ISO 12048 analogue; on unfilled cups, bowls etc.; (filled packages with extra charge); determination of Fmax with v= 10 mm/min at first buckling of the specimen. Smaller packages (approx max 100 * 100 * 100 mm³) can be testet a temperature range from - 40 to +120° C also (additional charge!).

penetrability of fat/ fat- proof test
Testing of paper, coated paper or plastic films with pigmented palm kernel fat. The sample is covered on the test surface with the test fat and then the glass pane and, if necessary, additional weights are placed on top.At the end of the exposure time, the grease spots up to 1 mm in size, visible to the naked eye on the display paper within the defined test area, are evaluated. If only grease spots up to 1,0 mm are observed, the test is considered to have been passed; in the case of grease spots larger than 1,0 mm, the test has to be performed with a more moderate test condition (a "poorer" grease permeability group).

Sealing seam strength of peelable bags, sacks, sealed packages with package testing device for determining the opening forces
Testing is performed as a technological practical test with a defined pull-off angle and specified test speed on sealed trays, cups, pouches, etc. with a standard-compliant package testing device

Indentation hardness (Shore hardness)
Hardness test with a durometer for plastics and hard rubber (ebonite), possibly necessary sample preparation will be charged additionally. The thickness of the test specimen shall be minimum 4 mm, it may be composed of thinner layers to obtain the necessary thickness.. Determinations made on composite specimens may not be consistent with those made on one-piece specimens because the area between the layers may not be in full contact.

Blocking test/ blocking strength
Test of the blocking tendency of plane packaging materials, in dependence of temperature T [°C], pressure p [MPa] and time t [h]. The evaluation is carried out either by manual test or by determination of blocking force Fmax [N] by shear test with tensile tester. If the sample should by tested under several test conditions separately, please create multiple tests for each test parameter setting.

shrinkage stress determination of plastic films
Isothermal or dynamic measurement, temperature range 40-140°C; MD or TD including a measurement of the contraction force after cooling on the basis of ISO 14616

Shrinkage of PE-films (Betex- instrument)
In-house method with Betex tester Principle: On a heating plate, wetted with polyethylene glycol, a round specimen of plastic film with a diameter of 50 mm is placed. The shrinkage takes place while the specimen is free "swimming" in the hot Polyethylenglykole. Suitable e.g. for PE films, test parameters T = 150 ° C / t = 30 s, the shrinkage [%] is determined in machine and transversal direction.

Curvature of films
This method is used for measuring the curvature of a lay flat film based on the longitudinal direction. This so-called sheet travel can e.g. be the result of a aslope bubble while blow- film extrusion prozess. The film tends then as to lobed edges of the reel or wrinkling during laminating. We will send you on request our SOP.

Creep- Test
Creep Test at plastic films acc. DIN EN 13206, DIN 55445 T 2,for exampleT= 23- 80 °C, sample width 10- 20 mm, testing period as agreed, testing weight as agreed

Wrinkle resistance of printing inks or lacquers - dry or after immersion in water
The test may be carried out on printings, coatings on flexible substrates such as films or paper. In addition to an examination after immersion in water, testing after storage in filling goods, after UV irradiation or mechanical stress is of course also possible.

Anti Fogging Test
Examination of transparent films or packages for antifogging properties, as cold fog (storage in refrigerator T = 6° C) and/or hot fog (filling with hot tap water T = 60° C and storage at T = 23° C). The bedewing of the sample is constrained by falling below the dew point, assessed visually and photographically documented.

drop test of sacks and bags EN 13592
drop test of pouches resp. sacks or tie- band sacks, strength of closure per test load, standard n = 10 (testing of n= 30 bags: extra charge)

shear strength of glued seams (temperature range -40 to +120 °C)
5 pieces of 15 mm wide strips are taken from the seam and tested in a tensile tester under shear stress. The maximum force to fracture of the seam is determined.

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Infrared (IR) spectroscopy
Identification of materials, contaminations, additives, laquers, adhesives, adhesive-based anti sealing effect etc. with different techniques depending on sample and problem

DSC/thermal analysis: melting and crystallisation behaviour
DSC run (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) for determination of crystal melting point Tpm and melting enthalpy delta H (further characteristics, e. g. crystallisation temperature Tc, depending on material, available on request) by means of two heating runs.

Density of plastic materials
DIN EN ISO 1183-1, of mono films, granules, moulded articles etc. made of polyolefins, PVC, or Polyamide. PET samples must have a minimum thickness of 0.3 mm, thin PET films cannot be tested with this method.

DSC/ thermal analysis: determination of glass transission temperature
In the region of glass transition temperature, there is a sudden change in the heat capacity cp, what with a sudden change in the physical and technological properties is usually accompanied. So some polymers are below the glass transition temperature suddenly hard and fragile (for example PP), others can be thermoformed very well when exceeding the glass transition temperature (for example PET). The measurement by DSC is very smart, but not feasible at all polymers. We are happy to advise you.

Ash content of plastic materials (polyolefins)
Gravimetric identification for analyzing films, granules etc. on basis of polyolefines (PE, PP) for inorganic shares like fillers, pigments, antiblocking aid etc. The chalk content of white pigments can be calculated from the weight loss by carbonate cleavage at two-step annealing 600/ 950 °C. Further analytical examination of ash composition on request.

microscopical examination by light microscopy incl. photographic documentation
microscopical examination of any samples. Payment based on the time invested.

Moisture content/water content (residual moisture)
The choice of the appropriate method depends essentially on the expected moisture content. Higher water contents can be determined gravimetrically well with the drying oven technique. When lower water contents are expected, the water selective Karl Fischer titration should be chosen, as incorrect measurements, for example by other volatile matters can be excluded. The Karl Fischer method is, however, not intended for determination of higher water contents.

Beilstein test
The Beilstein test is used for rapid qualitative detection of halogens, usually the proportion of chlorine (Cl) in PVC or PVDC based polymers. For verification we usually measure an infrared spectrum of the plastic material resp. material layer to be evaluated.

VA content determination in E/VA copolymers
Detemination by IR spectroscopy in combination with thermal analysis DSC.

TGA-analysis (thermo- gravimetry)
TGA-analysis (thermo- gravimetry), determination of content of inorganic fillers and additives like calcium cabonate, carbone black,polymeric phase, including standard report

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gloss
Reflectometer value for the determination of the gloss unit. The measuring angle depends on the surface of the sample (measuring angle: high glossy: 20°, medium glossy 60°, matte:85°).

UV- VIS- spectroscopy
UV- VIS-spectroscopy

determination of opacity
The measurements are carried out using a spectrophotometer according to ISO 2471 or DIN 6125. An opacity card (Leneta) type 2 a serves as a black and white base according to DIN 6125.

optical density
Characteristic value for specification of the light tighness of coloured or metallized films as well as other light- tight materials by densitometer instrument Gretag McBeth.

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Oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of plastic films, laminates, coated papers, Alufoils, etc.
Coulombmetric (oxygen specific) carrier gas method Method (Ametek/ Mocon).

Oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of packages, pouches, moulded parts, bottles, etc. (only suitable for barrier materials, see also "i")
The measurement is carried out using the coulommetric, oxygen-specific carrier gas method. Attention: This is only suitable for packages with a good oxygen barrier. Materials with high permeation coefficients, such as PP, PE or PS cups cannot be measured because the permeation is too high.

Water Vapour Transmission Rate (WVTR) of moulded parts, packages, pouches, bottles, etc. (only suitable for barrier materials, see also "i")
The measurement is carried out by using the the water vapor specific hydrolysis method, which allows to detect even the lowest permeabilities precisely and reproducibly. Besides the standard parameters offered, measurements can be carried out under a wide variety of temperature and humidity conditions. Attention: This method is only suitable for packs with a good water vapour barrier. Materials with high permeation coefficients, e.g. PA, thermoplastic starch or PLA, cannot be measured due to excessive permeation.

Tightness, leakage test/pores/micro-holes/defects
These tests are used to locate defects, leaks, micro-holes (pinholes), leakages and so on in packagings, pouches, bags and films. Depending on the problem and material, various methods are used, e.g. gas detection, dye penetration, chemical copper deposition, resistance against water or visual inspection on standardized light box. Please do not hesitate to contact us, we will be pleased to assist you in selecting a suitable method for your questions. To submit an offer, we need the following information: What kind of packaging should be tested (size, filling volume)? How many packages should be stored? Are the packages empty or do they have to be emptied before testing? Which contents are involved (CAS no./safety data sheet)?

Carbondioxyde transmission (CO2 TR) rate of plastic films, laminates, coated papers, Alufoils, etc.
Testing performed with the manometric method acc. DIN 53380 T 2 resp. ISO 15105-1 (Brugger-method), also comparable to ASTM D 1434-procedure M.

Water vapour transmission rate (WVTR)/ Sd- value
Determination of the Sd value according to the gravimetric method on diffusion open and diffusion inhibiting materials with Sd values of approx. 0.03- 10 m ( equivalent to a WVTR of approx. 4- 800 g/(m²xd) depending on the material and test conditions) as a quintuple determination. For diffusion-inhibiting, diffusion-blocking and diffusion-proof materials with Sd values of approx. 10- >1500 m (corresponds to a WVTR of approx. 0.005- 125 g/(m²xd) depending on the material and test conditions), we recommend the more rapid and more cost-effective electrolysis method (then deviating from the standard as a double determination).

Water vapour transmission rate (WVTR), gravimetric test
Gravimetric determination of WVTR acc. DIN 53122 or DIN 12572/12086. We recommend the measurement by hydrolysis method acc. ISO 15106-3 (hist DIN 53122-2). If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Nitrogen transmission rate (N2 TR) of plastic films, laminates, coated papers, alufoils etc.
Testing performed with the manometric method acc. DIN 53380 T 2 resp. ISO 15105-1 (Brugger-method), also comparable to ASTM D 1434-procedure M.

Permeation (air, methane, helium, argon, others on request) of plastic films, laminates, coated papers, Alufoils
The method enables permeation measurement of permanent gases according to the non-selective manometric method. The measurement is only possible with dry gas (0% relative humidity).