Mechanical properties of paper in the form of tensile testing (ISO 1924-2), tearing resistance (ISO 1974), and folding endurance (ISO 5626) are three measures of paper strength. These methods are important for evaluation in other standards, e.g. the paper permanence (ISO 9706, ISO 11108) and permanence of writing and printing on paper (ISO 11798).

The purpose of the tests is usually to investigate potential negative impacts on the mechanical strength of the paper after some form of exposure, such as accelerated ageing at elevated temperature and humidity in a climate chamber. The paper’s strength is tested before and after exposure. They can also be used to examine minimum strength requirements for the paper.

Most types of paper, such as fine paper or kraft paper, can be tested according to the standards. Typically, both the machine direction and the cross direction of the paper are tested, as most papers have different strengths in different directions. Testing can be performed on both unaged paper and paper that has been subjected to accelerated ageing in a climate chamber (or other exposure).

Tensile Testing (Tensile Energy Absorption) (ISO 1924-2) 

Paper strips are pulled in a tensile tester at a constant pulling speed. The force (N) and elongation (mm) are recorded, and from these parameters, tensile strength (kN/m) and tensile energy absorption (J/m²) are calculated.

Folding Endurance (ISO 5626) 

By folding paper strips in a folding tester, the number of double folds is counted. From the double folds, the folding number and folding endurance can be calculated.

Tearing Resistance (ISO 1974)

Tearing resistance indicates the force (mN) required to tear a piece of paper. By tearing paper pieces in a tearing tester, the tearing resistance can be determined.

The standards are important in the following testing:

• Archival durability of writing materials (ISO 11798): Tensile testing and folding endurance
• Archival durability of paper (ISO 11108): Tearing resistance and folding endurance
• Stability of paper (ISO 20494) and permanence of paper (ISO 9706): Tearing resistance

All three tests can, of course, be performed directly on paper, independently of other standards.

All mechanical strength testing of paper is conducted in a controlled climate (23°C and 50% RH).

Accreditation

The testing activities for mechanical properties of paper maintain high quality through accreditation according to SS-EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018.

Testing report from an accredited laboratory.

Contact RISE for price information. Please find the contact information below.

ISO 1924-2, Paper and board — Determination of tensile properties - Part 2: Constant rate of elongation method (20 mm/min)

ISO 5626, Paper — Determination of folding endurance

ISO 1974, Paper — Determination of tearing resistance — Elmendorf method

ISO 11798, Information and documentation — Permanence and durability of writing, printing and copying on paper — Requirements and test methods

ISO 9706, Information and documentation — Paper for documents — Requirements for permanence

ISO 11108, Information and documentation — Archival paper — Requirements for permanence and durability

ISO 20494, Paper — Requirements for stability for general graphic applications

In addition to RISE paper testing according to ISO 9706 and ISO 11108, where the paper is used for archival documents, there is ISO 20494, which offers paper stability for general graphic applications such as newspapers, brochures etc. Such paper is not intended for archives; instead, it should maintain its durability during normal use and storage.

Paper that meets the requirements of ISO 20494 shows stability for general graphic applications. Examples of possible end products with this paper include newspapers, brochures, catalogs, books, office prints, etc.

The ISO 20494 standard is based on providing a paper where mechanical fibers and/or recycled fibers can be used in paper products, thereby reducing production costs while promoting sustainability and contributing to a significantly reduced environmental footprint.

pH - Cold Water Extract 

Acidic paper deteriorates quickly, so pH is an important parameter to measure in paper. Electrolytes are extracted from the paper in a water solution, and the pH value is then measured on this cold water extract.

Alkali Reserve 

The formation of acids from air pollution in the surrounding air or natural ageing is harmful to the paper. Therefore, such paper usually contains some alkaline filler (e.g., calcium carbonate) to prevent acid attacks and neutralize the harmful acids, i.e., the paper has an alkali reserve. The alkali reserve can be measured through a titration process.

Tear Strength 

Tear strength is a measure of the paper’s mechanical strength and indicates the force (mN) required to tear a piece of paper. Preserving tear strength after ageing is a measure of the paper’s ability to remain durable in the future.

Requirements according to ISO 20494

• Tear Strength: The tear strength has a minimum value based on the paper’s surface weight.
• Preservation of Tear Strength: The tear strength must not decrease by more than 80% after 12 days of aging at 80°C and 65% RH.
• pH Cold Extract: Between 7.5 - 10.0.
• Alkali Reserve: At least 0.8 mol of acid per kg.

Accreditation 

The testing for paper stability maintain high quality through accreditation according to SS-EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018.

Testing report from an accredited laboratory.

Contact RISE for price information. Please find the contact information below.

ISO 20494 Paper — Requirements for stability for general graphic applications

ISO 1974, Paper — Determination of tearing resistance — Elmendorf method

ISO 5630-3, Paper and board — Accelerated ageing — Part 3: Moist heat treatment at 80 degrees C and 65 % relative humidity

ISO 6588-1, Paper, board and pulps — Determination of pH of aqueous extracts — Part 1: Cold extraction

ISO 10716, Paper and board — Determination of alkali reserve

Self-adhesive labels are attached to archive boxes and other storage media to inform about the contents. The National Archives’ technical regulations RA-FS 2006:4, Appendix 3, set the requirements for testing the durability of self-adhesive labels. RISE testing evaluates whether the labels meet these requirements.

RISE testing in archival durability primarily focuses on paper and writing used in the production of documents intended for long-term archival storage. In addition to document production, such paper can be used as a substrate to produce self-adhesive labels intended for archive boxes and other storage media.

Self-adhesive labels are attached to the outside of archive boxes and other storage media to inform about the contents before they are placed in the archive. The labels must withstand the use of the storage media over time, meaning they are taken out, used, and then put back in the archive. However, archives have experienced issues with some labels losing their functionality, such as falling off the storage medium or the information on the labels becoming unclear over time. The purpose of the testing is to evaluate the labels’ functionality and durability.

The durability of the labels must be tested to ensure their functionality over time. Currently, however, there is no ISO standard or certification in this area, so testing and evaluation are carried out according to RA-FS 2006:4.

For labels, the critical aspect is the deterioration of adhesion, which can lead to labels falling off and causing information loss. Therefore, the adhesion test is a crucial part of the testing and includes both unaged and aged material (accelerated ageing in a climate chamber). The testing also includes writeability, appearance, changes in optical density during ageing, water resistance, and abrasion resistance. The writeability and appearance of the labels are compared with reference paper (ageing-resistant paper), where the same writing instruments have been used, and the results should be equivalent.

Requirements according to RA-FS 2006:4, Appendix 3;

• Paper: Must meet the requirements of ISO 11108 or ISO 9706.
• Adhesive: Must be acrylic-based.
• Label Writeability: Must be writable with a roller ball or point pen and printer, and the writing must meet the appearance requirements of ISO 11798:1999, section 4.2.
• Results: Must be equivalent between writing on labels and writing on paper that meets the requirements of ISO 9706 or ISO 11108, regarding water resistance and abrasion resistance testing.
• For aged samples;
  • Optical Density: The label’s optical density (according to ISO 5-3 and ISO 5-4) may change by a maximum of 0.10.
  • Adhesive Bleeding: The adhesive must not bleed through the paper or beyond the edge of the label.
  • Label Condition: The label must not lift at the corners, become buckled, or wrinkled.
• Adhesion properties;
  • Two types of storage media are tested, and the requirements must be met for both types.
  • The label may detach a maximum of 10 mm within 10 minutes under a given load.
  • Two out of three samples must meet the above requirement for both types of storage media, and the average of all three samples must not exceed 10 mm/10 min. 

Accreditation

The testing activities for self-adhesive labels maintain high quality through accreditation according to SS-EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018.

Testing report and statement on whether the test results meet the requirements of RA-FS 2006:4.

Contact RISE for price information. Please find the contact information below.

A prerequisite for label testing is that the paper has been tested according to either ISO 9706 or ISO 11108 and that the adhesive is of the acrylic type. If the paper has not been tested, RISE also assists with this paper testing. Test items are sent to RISE for testing. All sample preparation and testing are conducted at RISE.

SP3487, Provning av självhäftande etiketter avsedda för arkivboxar och andra typer av förvaringsmedel

RA-FS 2006:4, Riksarkivets föreskrifter och allmänna råd om tekniska krav och certifiering

ISO 11798, Information and documentation — Permanence and durability of writing, printing and copying on paper — Requirements and test methods

ISO 9706, Information and documentation — Paper for documents — Requirements for permanence

ISO 11108, Information and documentation — Archival paper — Requirements for permanence and durability

ISO 5-3, Photography – Density measurements – Part 3: Spectral conditions

ISO 5-4, Photography – Density measurements – Part 4: Geometric conditions 
for reflection density

Long-term exposure to radon gas increases the risk of developing lung cancer. The Swedish Radiation Safety Authority estimates that radon in homes causes about 500 cases of lung cancer each year in Sweden. Radon can enter buildings from the ground, building materials or tap water. The only way to detect radon is to measure it.

By methodically inventorying and investigating the building in question, we can use our experience and measuring instruments to find sources of radon in indoor air. 

Benefit

Radon gas is invisible and odourless, the only way to detect radon is by measuring and finding sources of radon in indoor air. With the help of a good investigation, it is possible to implement the right measures and ensure that indoor radon levels are below the regulatory requirements.

The building in question is inventoried and analysed for radon sources from soil and possibly water, but radon-emitting building materials may also be present. Some of the work is also carried out in the office, for example when reviewing drawings or making calculations.

The client receives a report with documentation and recommendations for action according to the purpose and scope of the assignment. 

Time for implementation and delivery of assignments as agreed. 

Meeting with information on the aims and objectives of the project on site or by email/phone.

Irritation testing is a critical component of the biological evaluation of medical devices and a necessary step to meet the requirements of the Medical Device Regulation (MDR). RISE conducts irritation tests according to ISO 10993-23 and adheres to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).

Conducting irritation testing is crucial to ensuring that your medical device is safe for use. These tests help identify whether the product may cause irritation when it comes into contact with the skin.

By performing irritation testing, potential issues can be detected and addressed early in the development process, reducing the risk of adverse reactions for users. This is essential not only to protect patient health and safety but also to comply with regulatory requirements under the Medical Device Regulation (MDR) and international standards such as ISO 10993-23.

Furthermore, irritation testing helps build trust among users and healthcare professionals by demonstrating that your product has undergone rigorous safety evaluations. This not only prevents costly recalls and legal challenges but also ensures that your products are reliable and effective.

Our skin irritation tests are based on a model consisting of human epidermal keratinocytes. These have been cultured to form a differentiated model of the human skin layer, which is comparable to the in vivo skin structure.

We perform skin irritation testing according to ISO 10993–23. The product extraction is conducted according to ISO 10993-12. We also conduct skin irritation tests according to OECD Test Guideline 439, where the skin model is directly exposed to a test chemical, without prior extraction.

We follow GLP

We adhere to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), which ensures that the irritation tests are conducted in a scientifically valid and regulatory-compliant manner.

After completing the irritation test according to ISO 10993-23, you will receive a detailed test report in English. The report includes data showing the skin's reaction after exposure to the test material.

ISO 10993–23

ISO 10993-12

Impact test means the battery being subjected to an impact from another body that is dropped or hurled at the battery.

The impact test is done to examine the mechanical integrity of the battery of battery cells, battery models and battery packs. The test aims to evaluate the risks of e.g. collision or sudden shocks that may occur during production. 

The speed of the fall, acceleration and battery deformation are recorded with a high-speed camera and evaluated through advanced image analysis, so-called DIC, digital Image Correlation.  DIC works by comparing digital images of an object taken at different times. A computer algorithm analyzes these images to track changes in a pattern on the object's surface, making it possible to accurately determine how much the surface has been displaced or deformed.

Weights from a standardized weight of 9.1 kg up to 250 kg that can fall at speeds of up to 5 m/s can be tested here with us in one of our test beds. 

The standards associated with this test are IEC 62619.

All tests take place in modern labs where flue gases and water are handled and purified in an environmentally sustainable way. We can help design tests so that they can be carried out safely and efficiently. 

All tests are preceded by risk analyses and with the entire institute's collective expertise from technicians to researchers in a variety of areas, we can meet your specific needs throughout your process of testing and evaluating your product. 

In dialogue between client and RISE.

The standards associated with this test are IEC 62619.

Forced deformation tests of batteries involve exposing the battery to a force that strains the battery for a certain period of time.

Press tests are used to mimic situations that batteries may be exposed to in the event of an accident or simulate different situations that the battery may be exposed to during its lifetime. Results and data from tests are also used to verify simulations and calculations.

Press tests differ from free fall and impact tests in that they are a slower process and not a sudden transient event.

Forced deformation testing involves testing the mechanical integrity of the battery by loading the battery structure with a force that can be increased until the battery structure fails.

In a forced deformation test, battery modules or battery packs that are normally found in electric vehicles are tested. In our laboratory, we can load battery modules and battery packs with forces of up to 700 kN, equivalent to about 70 tons.

Deformation is evaluated during the test and loading usually lasts until thermal runaway occurs. During the test, the battery's status is measured on structural change at the same time as voltage, how propagation between cells takes place and temperature development is measured. 

During testing, equipment can also be connected to the battery's BMS (battery management system) to evaluate the battery's performance and health status in real time.

Standards that are affected by this type of test are UNECE r100 and GB 38031.

In all of our tests, the customer is present during the test and involved in the set-up and execution. Together with our broad expertise on site, we ensure that the tests are carried out in a safe, sustainable and reliable manner. 

RISE has a broad range of expertise and we are happy to help you in the development and evaluation of your product. In connection with our destructive tests, there are also vibration and climate tests, which also need to be evaluated for the safe use of batteries. 

Standards that are affected by this type of test are UNECE r100 and GB 38031.

Free fall-testing involves dropping the battery from a certain height onto a hardened surface.

Battery free fall-tests are used to evaluate the safe handling of batteries during use, transport and production. The damage a battery can get from dropping or falling can cause, for example, deformation that can cause leakage, overheating and explosion. 

Free fall-tests are done on battery cells, battery modules or battery packs. The fall scenario to be used, such as height, orientation and the type of surface the battery is falling towards, depends on both what the battery is to be used for and what test standards are to be followed. 

Free fall-tests are adapted to mimic real-world conditions as much as possible, taking into account repeatability and reliability. After the free fall-test, the battery is analyzed for deformation, temperature increase, propagation, damage, cracks and leaks. 

During free fall-tests, equipment can also be connected to the battery's BMS (Battery Management System) to evaluate the battery's performance and health status in real time.

Fall tests are included in some standards such as UN38.3, KMVSS TP48 and IEC 62619.

Want to conduct free fall-tests on batteries? Maybe you don't really know what kind of fall test is required for a particular standard? Then you can contact us, and we will help you! 

We keep track of both regulations and legal requirements that exist, which means that you get guidance to carry out the right fall test with us. We also design tests outside of standards, based on our customers' needs. 

When you hire RISE, you get access to our test facility but also to the entire institute's collective expertise and experience. You are in safe hands.

In dialogue between client and RISE

Fall tests are included in some standards such as UN38.3, KMVSS TP48 and IEC 62619.

Cytotoxicity testing is a crucial part of the biological evaluation of medical devices and is a necessary step to meet the requirements of the Medical Device Regulation (MDR). RISE conducts cytotoxicity testing according to ISO 10993-5 and is accredited under ISO/IEC 17025 or GLP (Good Laboratory Practice).

By conducting cytotoxicity testing, you ensure that your medical device meets the necessary regulatory requirements under the Medical Device Regulation (MDR) and international standards such as ISO 10993-5.

The test is crucial for guaranteeing patient safety, ensuring that your product does not have harmful effects on cells when it comes into contact with the body. Additionally, cytotoxicity testing helps minimize risks by identifying and eliminating potentially harmful effects at the cellular level early in the product development process, protecting your company from costly recalls and legal issues.

We conduct cytotoxicity testing according to ISO 10993–5 Annex C, the MTT test. This method is used to measure cell viability, i.e., the ability of cells to survive and function normally after exposure to extracts from a test material.

The MTT test is based on the principle that metabolically active cells can convert MTT, a yellow tetrazolium salt, into a blue-purple formazan crystal. The amount of formazan formed is proportional to the number of viable cells, providing a measure of the material’s cytotoxicity.

If the viability of the extract is reduced to <70% of the blank sample, the test is considered to have cytotoxic potential according to the standard.

We follow GLP

We are accredited under ISO/IEC 17025 and follow GLP (Good Laboratory Practice), ensuring that cytotoxicity tests are conducted in a scientifically valid and regulatory-compliant manner.

After completing the MTT test according to ISO 10993-5, you will receive a detailed test report in English. The report includes quantitative data showing cell viability after exposure to the test material.

ISO 10993–5

ISO/IEC 17025

DAS is a new technology for using fiber optic cable as a sensor to measure temperature and vibration, e.g., in bedrock or underwater. The technology transforms optical telecom fiber into a long series of fiber optic hydrophones capable with high spatial and temporal resolution along many kilometers of fiber cable.

Seismic activity can be mapped and analyzed in both time and frequency domains. The DAS technology can, for example, provide relevant information about the nature of the bedrock by determining the propagation speed of surface waves. Fiber optic measurement methods create distributed acoustic sensors (DAS) for seismic measurements instead of conventional hydrophone cables.

Advantages of DAS technology

• Robust and corrosion resistant - Withstands harsh environments
• Low power comsumption: the optical fibre does not need elecrticity to operate
• Immune to electromagnetic interference
• High spatial resolution of seismic data, providing more detailed results for seismic tomography and enabling surface wave analysis
• Flexible - measurement area and resolution can be easily changed during an ongoing measurement
• Suitable for underground installations
• Can continuously monitor large areas along an optical fiber, up to several kilometers, and enables measurement with high spatial resolution (1-10 m) along the fiber (equivalent to a geophone every 1-10 meters)
• All measuring instruments can be placed far from the measurement points on the fiber, increasing operator safety
• DAS can measure vibrations from a few millihertz to tens of kilohertz with a single fiber optic cable installation, requiring access to only one end of the fiber. The DAS instrument can thus be placed several kilometers from the area of interest, increasing operator safety and ensuring long-term monitoring possibilities as the fiber can be permanently installed in the monitoring area

Examples of areas:

• Underwater passages
• Tunnels of all kinds - train, car, road, public transport
• Rock engineering in general
• Underwater cables, ports

We support customers in performing advanced measurements in various ways:

1. Preliminary investigations and feasibility studies
2. Field measurements, with or together with the customer
3. We combine equipment with our expertise in fiber optics and photonics

A typical delivery in a "DAS project" is a study with measurement protocols to help the customer better assess seismological impact (for example), but it depends entirely on the application area, and the delivery is discussed on a case-by-case basis.

A DAS-study or field measurement is quick to install, measurements and delivery of results all depends on customer requirements.