RePolymer test program – measurable quality for recycled plastics

RePolymer Test Program – Proven Quality for Circular Polymers

Reliable material data is essential for successfully replacing virgin polymers with recycled alternatives. RISE offers an industry-driven testing program that delivers independent, comparable, and reproducible data for polymer materials. Through standardized methods, controlled testing conditions, and extensive experience in polymer characterization, we provide results you can trust, regardless of the material’s origin or intended application.

Our modular testing program covers polymers such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), PET, ABS, and polyamide (PA), providing valuable insights for material selection, quality verification, product development, and research. By complementing existing material data with additional property measurements, the accuracy of process and structural simulations can be significantly improved, leading to better decision-making and reduced development risks. For example, our test methods can generate the material data required for advanced injection molding simulations, including flow, cooling, and warpage analyses.

Based on your specific needs and technical challenges, we offer both standardized and customized test matrices. Whether you require rapid verification of material quality or more in-depth analyses for product development, troubleshooting, or material benchmarking, we can tailor the testing scope to provide relevant, reliable, and actionable data for informed decision-making.

Standard testing

For fast, cost-effective, and reproducible verification of material properties. Testing is performed according to a standardized test matrix, providing comparable results.

Typical Scope:

• Sample preparation and injection molding of test specimens according to ISO and ASTM standards
• Mechanical, thermal, optical, and physical characterization, including density determination
• Compilation of results in a Material Test Report, Material Test Protocol, or Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

Advanced testing

When standard testing is not sufficient, RISE offers in-depth analyses and specialist expertise for product development, material evaluation, and technical troubleshooting. We help you understand material behavior, identify root causes of quality issues, and generate decision-support data for the development of future materials and products.

Typical Scope:

• Microscopic analysis at micro- and nanoscale
• Rheological testing
• Chemical analyses and substance screening
• Ageing studies, stress testing, and particle analysis
• Advanced reporting, result interpretation, and technical consulting
• Customized testing programs tailored to specific product or material challenges

Analysis parameters and applicable standards

Examples of test methods and corresponding standards used to evaluate the properties and performance of polymer materials:

• Mechanical properties:
  Tensile, flexural, impact (Charpy), and compressive properties
  ISO 527, ISO 178, ISO 179-1, ISO 604, ASTM D638, ASTM D790
• Physical and rheological properties
  Density, melt flow rate (MFR/MVR), viscosity, and rheology
  ISO 1183, ISO 1133, ISO 1628, ISO 11443, ASTM D792, ASTM D1238
• Thermal properties
  DSC (Tm, Tg), HDT/Vicat, DMA, OIT
  ISO 75, ISO 306, ISO 11357, ISO 6721, ASTM D3418, ASTM D648
• Chemical composition and durability
  Thermogravimetric analysis (e.g., fillers and carbon black), moisture content, UV ageing
  ISO 11358, ISO 15512, ISO 4892, ASTM G154, ASTM G155
• Fire and functional testing
  Flammability, glow-wire testing, drop testing, odor assessment
  UL 94, DIN 75200, EN 60695, RISE IVF methods
• Sample preparation
  Injection-molded and machined test specimens
  ISO 527, ISO 178, ISO 179-1

Delivery and ordering

The deliverable consists of a structured and quality-assured material test protocol that compiles documented results from the analyses performed. The report describes the polymer’s key quality characteristics, including chemical, physical, and mechanical properties, based on established and relevant test methods. It provides a reliable basis for informed decision-making and the continued use, qualification, or development of the material.

Contact details

Hampus Johansson
hampus.johansson@ri.se
+ 46 10 228 45 05

Zinnia Kovanen, 
zinnia.kovanen@ri.se
+46 10 228 45 43