EN 15355 Recycled Mixed Plastics Testing
The European Standard EN 15355 specifies methods for testing the mechanical, chemical, and other physical properties of recycled mixed plastics. This standard is crucial in ensuring the quality and performance of recycled materials used across various sectors such as packaging, construction, automotive, and electronics.
This service covers a comprehensive range of tests to evaluate the mechanical strength, durability, and resistance to environmental factors like heat, moisture, and chemicals. The testing process involves rigorous specimen preparation, which includes thorough cleaning, drying, and conditioning of recycled plastics before they undergo various physical and chemical analyses.
The standard provides detailed guidance on how to prepare specimens for testing, including the use of specific dimensions and tolerances. This ensures that all samples are comparable and representative of real-world applications. The tests include tensile strength, impact resistance, flexural modulus, and more.
Chemical analysis is also a key component of this service, focusing on determining the presence and concentration of various elements and compounds in recycled plastics. This helps ensure that the recycled materials meet specific chemical specifications and are safe for use in consumer products or industrial applications.
The results of these tests are reported comprehensively, providing detailed insights into the performance characteristics of the recycled plastics. These reports serve as a critical tool for quality managers and compliance officers to make informed decisions regarding material selection and product design. For R&D engineers, this service offers valuable data to optimize processes and improve the properties of recycled materials.
In addition to technical testing, our laboratory also provides advice on best practices for recycling plastics, helping procurement teams source high-quality recycled materials that meet strict standards.
- Thorough cleaning and conditioning of specimens
- Detailed chemical analysis of elements and compounds
- Comprehensive physical testing including tensile strength, impact resistance, flexural modulus
- Reporting on performance characteristics
Scope and Methodology
The scope of EN 15355 Recycled Mixed Plastics Testing is broad, encompassing a variety of mechanical and chemical tests aimed at ensuring the quality and performance of recycled plastics. This standard applies to any type of plastic waste that can be reprocessed into new products.
Methodologically, this service follows strict protocols outlined in EN 15355, which includes specimen preparation, testing procedures, and data interpretation. Specimens are prepared according to the specified dimensions and tolerances provided by the standard. Testing is conducted using advanced instrumentation such as tensile testers, impact testers, and chemical analyzers.
The methodology also emphasizes the importance of environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity, during testing to ensure that results accurately reflect real-world conditions. This ensures that the recycled plastics are reliable and durable in diverse applications.
Environmental and Sustainability Contributions
- Promotes recycling of plastic waste, reducing landfill usage
- Saves energy compared to virgin polymer production
- Reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with manufacturing
- Increases resource efficiency by reusing existing materials
Use Cases and Application Examples
This service is particularly valuable for industries that rely heavily on recycled plastics, such as packaging manufacturers looking to enhance sustainability practices. By adhering to the stringent requirements of EN 15355, these companies can ensure their products meet the highest quality standards while also contributing positively to environmental goals.
R&D engineers benefit from this service by gaining insights into how different recycling processes affect material properties and performance. This information is crucial for developing new products that not only perform well but are also environmentally responsible.
Quality managers and compliance officers use the results of these tests to make informed decisions about which recycled plastics meet their quality specifications. This ensures consistency in product quality while promoting sustainable practices within the organization.
