Case Study 1:

A leading producer of speciality resins approached FaraPack Polymers to aid with extensive property testing of various new materials that they had developed in-house. The aim was to compare the results from a range of formulations. The work was carried out in a variety of phases.

a) A range of polyurethane samples, for adhesive and coating applications were sent to FaraPack Polymers, and the following tests were conducted:

• Shore hardness (Shore A and D tests)
• Tensile stability
• Tear stability
• Wear resistance
• Abrasion stability
• Hydrolytic stability
• Chemical stability

These results were then summarised and presented clearly for ease of assessment of the various final polyurethane products.

b) FaraPack Polymers were provided with 6 flexiblising polyester resins, to compare to an existing resin, to enhance the properties of a glass fibre composite. The resins were made up and glass fibre composites were formed. The following tests were conducted on the materials:

• Hardness (Shore D and Barcol)
• Tensile stress
• Flexural strength
• Hydrolytic stability
• Falling dart impact testing
• Short beam shear strength

c) Further tests were conducted on a range of polyester resins to determine the effect of prolonged immersion in hot water on the tensile properties. The resins were tested for maximum stress, maximum strain and the Young's modulus was obtained.

Outcome: Using these results, data sheets have been prepared by our customer for new products. These have been supplied to their customers and the new formulations are currently undergoing evaluation by these end users.

Case Study 2:

A leading closure manufacturer contacted FaraPack Polymers Limited to enquire about the development of an alternative material for use in one of their existing products. The new material was required to mechanically mimic the original material but also have additional new features.

A literature search was conducted and several potential materials were sourced. This led to the design of a number of specific pieces of equipment for use in testing the materials. Initial testing was conducted in order to identify those materials showing the most promise.

FaraPack Polymers then completed some further work on the development of additional novel samples, which were tested using the same methods as those used previously. They were then sent to the customer for further testing.