The quality and performance of PU foaming cell openers can be tested through a series of physical, chemical and functional tests. The following are several common testing methods:
1. Appearance inspection
Color and transparency: Observe whether the color of the opener is uniform and whether the transparency meets the standard. Any abnormal color change may indicate a quality problem.
Precipitation and suspended matter: Check whether there are insoluble matter or precipitation in the liquid, which may affect the performance of the product.
2. Chemical composition analysis
Gas chromatography analysis: Organic components and residual solvents in the opener can be detected to ensure that its composition meets the technical requirements.
Infrared spectroscopy analysis: Used to analyze the chemical structure to ensure that the molecular structure of the opener is consistent with the standard composition.
Viscosity test: Test the viscosity of the opener. The viscosity will affect the mixing performance of the opener with other components during the foaming process.
3. Foam performance test
Opening effect test: By simulating the foaming process, observe the effect of the opener on the pore size and pore structure of the foam. Microscopes are usually used to observe the pore size distribution of the foam and ensure that it meets the design requirements.
Foaming ability: The foaming speed and foam stability of the cell opener are tested through foaming tests. The foam volume, density, foam growth rate and stability are usually measured during the test.
4. Temperature and pressure stability
Thermal stability test: The cell opener is exposed to a high temperature environment to observe whether its chemical composition and foaming performance are affected. Stability at high temperatures is crucial to the quality of PU foam products.
Pressure stability: Detect the foaming performance of the cell opener under different pressures, especially whether it can maintain its performance in a high-pressure environment.
5. Reactivity and foaming time
Reaction time test: Test the time for the cell opener to react with other polyurethane raw materials to ensure that its reaction time and foaming process are within the predetermined range.
Foaming time: Determine the time required for the cell opener to start foaming and the foam to stabilize. If the foaming is too fast or too slow, it may affect the structure and quality of the foam.
6. Foam density and hardness
Density test: Measure the density of the foam sample by its volume and weight to ensure that the foam density formed during the foaming process meets the requirements.
Hardness test: Determine the rigidity or softness of the foam to meet application requirements by measuring the hardness of the foam.
7. Weather resistance and chemical resistance
UV aging test: Test the weather resistance and long-term stability of the sample by exposing it to UV light to simulate long-term sunlight.
Chemical resistance test: Expose the foam sample to different chemicals to test whether it will degrade.
8. Foam structure analysis
Scanning electron microscope analysis: It can be used to observe the microstructure of the foam, check the distribution of pores, the size of pores, and the uniformity of the pore walls.
9. Environmental friendliness test
VOC test: The cell opener may contain volatile organic compounds, which have an impact on the environment and health. VOC testing is used to ensure that the cell opener meets environmental standards.
Summary:
To comprehensively evaluate the quality and performance of PU foaming cell openers, it is usually necessary to combine the above multiple testing methods. Through these tests, the stability of the cell opener during the production process, the foaming effect and its impact on the performance of the final product can be ensured to meet the needs of different applications.
