Testing and Analysis

Swerea SICOMP has at its disposal a range of equipment for experimental characterization of composite materials and products. For example, we have several hydraulic testing machines for mechanical testing of everything from small test specimens up to composite products measuring 10 metres in length. Climate chambers are used to study the impact of temperature on material properties. The composite’s structure – its inner architecture – determines its properties, and optical microscopy is therefore frequently used in structural characterization. Microscopy is also used to investigate the occurrence of porosity and other defects. We also employ ultrasound-based, non-destructive testing methods (C-scan) to study the occurrence of defects and delamination in composites. We perform fractography studies whereby we use various forms of microscopy (SEM, optical) in e.g., failure analysis. The thermal and viscosity behaviour of composites and plastics before, during and after a manufacturing process are analyzed with the aid of DSC and rheometry. Swerea SICOMP also collaborates with Swedish universities, whose equipment complements our own.

Testing physical and mechanical properties of composites, ageing tests, analysis of structural changes.

Swerea SWECAST

Testing and analysis of cast products, material and failure investigations, classificiation of chemical products.