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The knowledge about mechanical properties of materials is of fundamental importance for their reliable application. A specific characteristic of such properties in polymeric materials is their strong dependency of temperature and of the loading rate. Due to the continuing development of always better and more resistant materials, also new challenges are coming up for modern material testing.

With the help of different characterization methodologies in our testing laboratories we dedicate our attention to analyze such phenomena. Thereby we conduct tests according to severe standards as well as we develop individual solutions for application relevant material characterization. Our possibilities reach from thermical (e.g. DSC, DMA, TMA) over monotonic (tensile, compression) to dynamic (high speed/impact, fatigue) test methods.

A specific topic is the fracture mechanics lifetime prediction of polyethylene (PE) pipes. Since foundation of PCCL the responsible failure mechanisms of crack initiation and slow crack growth have been investigated in several projects in order to increase the understanding of failure in PE pipes. By the development of suitable material laws with accelerated test methods a prediction of lifetimes of pipe systems under application relevant operating conditions is possible. A new research topic is devoted to the aging mechanisms of PE under the influence of chlorine dioxide. The concepts and test methods developed within our research projects are well recognized by the relevant industry and moreover they are even considered in national and international standards.