Laboratory and materials
Laboratory & Materials
Research and development
Within our company, we have created a laboratory entirely dedicated to Research and Development, equipped with all the most modern and cutting-edge equipment necessary to develop our polyurethane systems. This highly specialized environment allows us to explore new formulations and technologies, constantly pushing the boundaries of our creativity and innovation. Our ultimate goal is continuous improvement and expansion of our product range, with the firm intention of ensuring our customers receive superior quality products that perfectly meet their needs.
To achieve this goal, we perform detailed chemical analyses to identify incoming raw materials, ensuring the highest quality of the materials used. Furthermore, we pay particular attention to characterizing the chemical and physical properties of the final product, strictly adhering to current regulations. Underpinning all this is constant and in-depth research into innovative products, which allows us to remain competitive in the market and meet the demands of an ever-evolving customer base. Our strength lies in the careful selection of raw materials and the in-house development of customized formulations, designed to meet the specific needs of the final product. This approach allows us to guarantee high quality and competitive solutions, maintaining standards of excellence geared towards customer satisfaction.
Polyurethane
Polyurethanes are organic polymers that contain urethane bonds within their structure. They are obtained from the polyaddition reaction between a polyol and a diisocyanate. The polyurethane family includes a wide variety of products with different characteristics and applications. The properties of polyurethanes are determined by the type of diisocyanate and the polyol used.
The main polyurethane groups are:
- Flexible foams
- Rigid foams
- Elastomers
- Fibre
- Coatings and paints
To polyurea
Polyurea is an elastomeric material obtained from the polyaddition reaction between a diisocyanate and a diamine. Depending on the characteristics you want to obtain, an aromatic diisocyanate or an aliphatic diisocyanate can be used.
- Pure aromatic polyurea
- Aspartic polyurea
- Hybrid polyurea
Our goals
- Satisfying our customers' requests and working with them to decide the best strategy to follow to optimize the final product.
- Ensure consistent production quality and product repeatability over time, without altering its characteristics.
- Optimization and control of our products and continuous improvement.
Determination of the hydroxyl number
To ensure consistency and quality in the final product, it is necessary to know the hydroxyl number of the starting polyol. The hydroxyl number is defined as the number of mg of KOH equivalent to the amount of hydroxyl in 1 gram of sample.
Determination of the content of NCO groups
The percentage of free NCO groups that combine with one equivalent of excess n-butylamine is determined.
Water content
The Karl-Fisher titrator is an instrument used to perform quantitative determinations of water present in liquid, solid and powdered samples.
Viscosity measurement
VISCOSIMETRO
To improve processability and mixing between components, it is necessary to know the viscosity of the incoming products.
The test is performed according to the EN 13702 standard.
Differential scanning calorimetry analysis
DSC
Using this technique we can evaluate the glass transition, melting temperature, crystallization, phase changes, thermal and oxidative stability, curing kinetics, etc.
This information is obtained by measuring the energy that the sample must supply or release until it reaches the same temperature as the reference sample.
Thermomechanical analysis
TMA
Thermo-mechanical analysis (TMA) is a technique used to measure the dimensional changes of materials as a function of time, temperature, and applied force.
Using this technique, it is possible to determine the coefficient of thermal expansion, the elastic modulus, the specific volume change and the softening point of the material.
Dynamo-mechanical analysis
DMA
With this tool it is possible to characterize the viscoelastic properties of polymers.
The most common applications of this technique, which is based on the detection of exothermic and endothermic phenomena that occur in the material placed in the calorimeter, concern the determination of the melting and glass transition temperatures, the specific heat and the study of the crystallization kinetics of polymer matrix materials.
Hardness test
DUROMETRO
In our laboratory, hardness is determined on the Shore A and Shore D scale according to DIN 53505. The test is based on measuring the penetration depth of a punch into the material being tested.
FTIR analysis
FTIR spectrometer
The use of infrared spectroscopy is a fast and very useful technique for analyzing incoming raw materials and identifying unknown samples.
This technique provides information on the functional groups, chemical bonds of the product under analysis by referring to the interaction between the IR electromagnetic radiation and the molecular systems that are interfered in their vibro-rotational levels.
The infrared spectrum of the raw material or product is compared with the spectra contained in the database and an assessment of the correlation can be made.
Abrasion resistance
ABRASIMETRO
Tests are carried out on test specimens taken from the material under examination based on the DIN 53516 standard. The loss of mass is measured thanks to the consumption of the material by the path made on a rotating cylinder covered with abrasive paper.
Abrasion resistance itself is a complex test as it is linked to other material properties (tensile strength, hardness, and elastic modulus). The unit of measurement for abrasion resistance is expressed in mm3. The lower this value, the greater the material's resistance. Thanks to our research, we have succeeded in developing materials with excellent abrasion resistance.
Mechanical properties
DYNAMOMETER
The physical and mechanical properties of materials in our laboratory are determined using the Easydur Universal Dynamometer, which is adapted to the type of test being performed, such as tensile, compressive, or flexural forces.
Tensile strength: To evaluate the material's behavior under brief tensile stress, we follow the DIN 53504 standard. The test involves measuring the maximum force required per unit of cross-sectional area to break. The result is expressed in MPa.
Compressive strength: to complete the investigation of the behavior of rigid materials, compression tests are performed to identify the stress-strain curve, obtaining useful information on the linear-elastic behavior of the product (Young's modulus) and its behavior at failure.
Flexural strength: this test characterizes all rigid and semi-rigid materials. Prismatic, square-section specimens are used in accordance with DIN 53452, and the mechanical strength characteristics during three-point bending are calculated. The value is expressed in MPa.
Resistance to chemical agents
A material's chemical resistance depends on a number of factors, including exposure time, temperature, and concentration. When chemical degradation occurs, the polymer's molecular chains react with the chemical, and the material can suffer damage. At the beginning of the degradation process, swelling occurs, in which the chemical solution is absorbed into the material's structure. After the liquid evaporates, the material, if it does not interact with the liquid, returns to its original shape.
Resistance to acids and bases: These substances are aggressive to polyurethane, even at room temperature. Our material is resistant to diluted acids and alkaline solutions for a short time at room temperature. Long-term contact with concentrated acids and concentrated bases is not recommended.
Resistance to saturated hydrocarbons: polyurethane in contact with saturated hydrocarbons such as diesel fuel, petroleum ether, kerosene, isooctane undergoes surface swelling but after a certain period of time the material tends to return to its original dimensions.
Resistance to aromatic hydrocarbons: Contact with aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene and toluene causes surface swelling and a reduction in mechanical properties.
Resistance to oils and greases: Polyester-based polyurethane is more resistant to oils and greases. However, compatibility with the additives contained in them must be checked, as they can cause irreversible damage.
5023
Hours of Work
1895
Satisfied Clients
650
Completed Projects
33
Awards Won
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