SERVICES
Applied Polymers and Era Polymers have the capability to conduct cryogenic thermal and physical property testing of rigid polyurethane (PUR) and polyisocyanurate (PIR) foams as well as being able to test all properties required to calculate the Cryogenic Safety Factor or CTSR – Cryogenic Thermal Stress Resistance.
The company is certified to the ISO 9001 quality standard system, the physical testing laboratory is also NATA accredited and the many in-house product development laboratories are constantly expanding the horizons of polyurethane chemistry.
CRYOGENIC TESTING
Applied Polymers has the in-house capability to test cryogenic foams. Our specialist testing equipment is not only used for in-house product development but is also used as part of the service package offered by Applied Polymers for testing and checking customer produced polyurethane foams ensuring these meet the strict specification requirements.
Applied Polymers in-house testing capability includes the following:
• Cryogenic and ambient temperature thermal conductivity testing
• Cryogenic and ambient temperature tensile strength testing
• Cryogenic and ambient temperature compressive strength testing
• Cryogenic and ambient temperature tensile modulus testing
• Cryogenic and ambient temperature coefficient of thermal expansion testing
• Flammability testing
• Closed cell content
• Core density
• Water absorption
PHYSICAL TESTING
Applied Polymers conducts a comprehensive suite of physical property tests to ensure LNG foams meet stringent performance and safety standards across a range of environmental conditions. These tests are performed internally in our advanced laboratory or externally through accredited testing facilities.
Physical testing is critical for verifying the mechanical integrity, thermal performance, and chemical stability of insulation materials used in cryogenic applications. Our testing protocols align with internationally recognized standards to ensure reliability and compliance.
- Mechanical Properties: We assess compressive, shear, and tensile strength at both ambient and cryogenic temperatures to simulate real-world conditions.
- Thermal Performance: Thermal conductivity and expansion tests help determine insulation efficiency and dimensional stability under extreme temperature fluctuations.
- Flammability and Safety: Horizontal burn tests evaluate flame spread, extinguishing time, and burning rate to ensure fire safety compliance.
- Moisture Resistance: Water absorption and vapour transmission tests confirm the foam’s ability to resist moisture ingress, which is vital for long-term insulation performance.
- Chemical Stability: Leachable chloride testing ensures minimal corrosive potential, protecting adjacent metal structures.
| Physical Property | Reference Standard |
|---|---|
| Core Density | ASTM D1622 |
| Closed Cell Content | ASTM D6226 |
| Water Absorption | ASTM D2842 |
| Water Vapour Transmission | ASTM E96 |
| Horizontal Burn – Extent of Burn | ISO 3582 (BS 4735) |
| Horizontal Burn – Extinguishing Time | ISO 3582 (BS 4735) |
| Horizontal Burn – Burning Rate | ISO 3582 (BS 4735) |
| Leachable Chloride | ASTM C871 |
| Compressive Strength @ 23°C | ASTM D1621 |
| Compressive Strength @ -165°C | ASTM D1621 |
| Shear Strength @ 23°C | ASTM C273 |
| Shear Strength @ -165°C | ASTM C273 |
| Tensile Strength @ 23°C | ASTM D1623 |
| Tensile Strength @ -165°C | ASTM D1623 |
| Tensile Modulus @ -165°C | ASTM D1623 |
| Thermal Conductivity @ 20°C | ASTM C-177 / ASTM C-158 |
| Thermal Conductivity @ -165°C | ASTM C-177 / ASTM C-158 |
| Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion | ASTM D696 |
| Cryogenic Thermal Stress Resistance | CINI 2.7.01 and 2.7.02 |
For more information or to request specific test data, please contact our technical team.