Polyurethane elastomer testing

Comprehensive Polyurethane Elastomer Testing for Global Industrial Applications

As an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited testing laboratory, we deliver a complete polyurethane elastomer testing service that covers physical and mechanical properties, thermal behavior, chemical resistance, dynamic performance, and regulatory compliance. Our polyurethane elastomer testing program supports manufacturers and exporters of cast polyurethane parts, TPU components, rollers, seals, and industrial wheels who must demonstrate conformity to ISO, ASTM, DIN, and regional standards across the European Union, North America, and Asia. Every test is performed under our CNAS-accredited quality system, producing reports that are accepted by notified bodies, automotive OEMs, and procurement authorities worldwide.

Product Samples We Regularly Test in Our Polyurethane Elastomer Testing Service

Cast polyurethane elastomer parts — rollers, wheels, seals, gaskets, and wear pads in hardnesses from Shore A 20 to Shore D 80
Thermoplastic polyurethane injection molded components — automotive boots, bellows, cable sheathing, and sports equipment
Millable polyurethane rubber compounds — for high-performance gaskets, diaphragms, and industrial belting
Spray-applied polyurethane elastomer coatings — for tank linings, waterproof membranes, and abrasive wear protection
Microcellular polyurethane foam elastomers — for vibration damping, automotive bump stops, and cushioning
Polyurethane O-rings and hydraulic seals — high-pressure and high-temperature sealing elements
Polyurethane adhesive and binder systems — for sports track binders, playground surfaces, and chip bonding

Physical and Mechanical Properties of Polyurethane Elastomers

Hardness by Shore A and Shore D durometer per ISO 48-4 and ASTM D2240 — the indentation hardness is measured at multiple points on the finished part or test plaque to verify that the polyurethane elastomer falls within the specified hardness range for the application, from soft gel-like materials to rigid engineering plastics.
Tensile strength, elongation at break, and modulus per ISO 37 and ASTM D412 — dumbbell specimens are pulled to failure to measure the ultimate tensile strength, the percentage elongation, and the stress at defined elongations, providing the core mechanical property data that define the load-bearing capacity and flexibility of the polyurethane elastomer.
Tear strength by trouser and crescent methods per ISO 34-1 and ASTM D624 — the force required to propagate a cut is measured to evaluate the polyurethane's resistance to nicks, cuts, and tearing under service conditions, a critical parameter for dynamic seals, diaphragms, and wheels.
Compression set under constant deflection per ISO 815-1 and ASTM D395 Method B — the polyurethane specimen is compressed to a defined percentage of its thickness and held at elevated temperature for a specified period, then the residual deformation is measured to predict the long-term sealing force retention and elastic memory of the elastomer.
Rebound resilience by ball rebound per ISO 4662 and ASTM D2632 — a steel ball or pendulum is dropped onto the polyurethane surface and the percentage of energy returned is measured, quantifying the elastic response that determines the material's suitability for dynamic applications such as wheels, springs, and impact absorbers.
Density and specific gravity per ISO 2781 and ASTM D792 — the mass per unit volume is determined by water displacement or gas pycnometry to verify compound consistency and to detect porosity or voids from incomplete curing.
Abrasion resistance by Taber abrader and DIN abrasion per ISO 4649 and ASTM D4060 — the volume loss of the polyurethane elastomer under a rotating abrasive wheel or on a rotating drum with abrasive paper is measured to rank the wear resistance for mining screens, chute liners, and conveyor components.

Thermal Analysis and Heat Resistance Testing of Polyurethane Elastomers

Differential scanning calorimetry for glass transition and melting behavior per ISO 11357-2 and ASTM D3418 — the polyurethane sample is heated and cooled at a controlled rate to identify the glass transition temperature of the soft segments and the melting endotherm of the hard segments, defining the service temperature window.
Thermogravimetric analysis for composition and thermal stability per ASTM E1131 and ISO 11358-1 — the mass loss is recorded as the sample is heated to 900 °C under nitrogen and air, quantifying the polyol, isocyanate-derived, and filler fractions, and determining the onset temperature of decomposition.
Vicat softening point and heat deflection temperature per ISO 306 and ISO 75-2 — the temperature at which a defined indenter penetrates the thermoplastic polyurethane specimen under load is measured, or the temperature at which a test bar deflects by a specified amount, for comparative quality control of injection molding grades.
Low-temperature brittleness and glass transition by Gehman torsion per ASTM D1053 and ASTM D2137 — the polyurethane is cooled at a controlled rate and either twisted or impacted to determine the temperature at which it loses flexibility and becomes brittle, critical for seals and boots in cold climate applications.

Fluid Resistance and Chemical Compatibility Testing of Polyurethane Elastomers

Immersion testing in reference and service fluids per ASTM D471 and ISO 1817 — the polyurethane specimen is fully immersed in oils, fuels, solvents, hydraulic fluids, and cleaning chemicals at defined temperatures for specified durations, and the change in mass, volume, hardness, tensile strength, and elongation is measured to verify compatibility with the intended service environment.
Hydrolytic stability in hot water and steam per ASTM D3137 and ISO 2440 — for polyester-based polyurethanes, the resistance to hydrolysis is evaluated by immersion in water at 85 °C to 100 °C for extended periods, then the retained tensile properties are measured to predict service life in humid, tropical, and water-immersion applications.
Resistance to acids, alkalis, and industrial cleaning agents per ASTM D543 and ISO 175 — the polyurethane is exposed to representative acidic and alkaline solutions and the surface degradation, weight change, and mechanical property retention are recorded to select the correct polyurethane grade for chemical plant and food processing applications.
Oil swell and dimensional stability in fuels and lubricants — the volume change of the polyurethane elastomer is measured after immersion in ASTM reference oils and commercial fuels to ensure that sealing elements maintain their interference fit and do not leak after swelling.

Dynamic Mechanical and Fatigue Testing of Polyurethane Elastomers

Dynamic mechanical analysis for storage and loss modulus per ASTM D4065 and ISO 6721-1 — the polyurethane specimen is subjected to an oscillating strain at a defined frequency while the temperature is swept, generating the storage modulus, loss modulus, and tan delta curves that characterize the viscoelastic damping behavior across the entire service temperature range.
Flex fatigue and crack growth resistance per ASTM D430 and ASTM D813 — the polyurethane is repeatedly bent or stretched at a controlled amplitude, and the number of cycles to crack initiation and the crack growth rate are recorded to predict the service life of bellows, boots, and flexing components.
Creep and stress relaxation in tension and compression per ISO 899 and ASTM D2990 — the polyurethane is subjected to a constant static load or constant deflection, and the change in deformation or stress is monitored over time to predict the long-term dimensional stability of structural polyurethane components.
Dynamic hysteresis and heat build-up per ASTM D623 and ISO 4666-4 — the polyurethane specimen is repeatedly compressed at a controlled frequency and load, and the internal temperature rise is measured to evaluate the energy dissipation and the risk of thermal runaway in dynamically loaded elastomeric parts.

Weathering and Environmental Aging Testing of Polyurethane Elastomers

Accelerated weathering by xenon-arc exposure per ISO 4892-2 and ASTM G155 — the polyurethane is subjected to controlled cycles of simulated sunlight, heat, and water spray for up to 3000 hours, then the color change, gloss loss, surface cracking, and retained tensile properties are evaluated to predict outdoor service life.
Ozone resistance under static and dynamic strain per ISO 1431-1 and ASTM D1149 — the polyurethane specimen is exposed to ozone at a defined concentration while stretched or looped, and the surface is inspected under magnification for characteristic ozone cracking that indicates poor weathering resistance.
Heat aging in circulating air ovens per ASTM D573 and ISO 188 — the polyurethane is aged at elevated temperatures for up to 168 hours or longer, and the change in hardness, tensile strength, and elongation is measured to predict the thermal endurance and to assign a maximum continuous service temperature.
UV resistance by fluorescent lamp exposure per ASTM G154 and ISO 4892-3 — using UVA-340 or UVB-313 lamps, the polyurethane is exposed to the ultraviolet portion of the solar spectrum to isolate the degradation mechanism, and the yellowing index and mechanical property loss are quantified.

Flame Retardancy and Fire Safety Testing for Polyurethane Elastomers

Vertical and horizontal burning tests per ASTM D3801, ASTM D635, and UL 94 — the polyurethane specimen is exposed to a defined gas flame and the afterflame time, afterglow time, and burning rate are recorded to classify the material as V-0, V-1, V-2, or HB for electrical enclosure and consumer product applications.
Limiting oxygen index per ISO 4589-2 and ASTM D2863 — the minimum oxygen concentration required to support candle-like combustion is measured to provide a quantitative ranking of the intrinsic flame retardancy of different polyurethane formulations.
Smoke density and smoke toxicity per ISO 5659-2 and ASTM E662 — for polyurethane elastomers used in enclosed spaces, transportation, and public buildings, the specific optical density of smoke and the concentration of toxic combustion gases are measured to comply with fire safety and evacuation regulations.
Cone calorimetry for heat release rate per ISO 5660-1 and ASTM E1354 — the polyurethane specimen is irradiated with a defined heat flux and the heat release rate, total heat released, and effective heat of combustion are measured to provide the fundamental fire properties used in performance-based fire engineering design.

Chemical Safety and Regulatory Compliance for Polyurethane Elastomers

RoHS compliance per IEC 62321 and EU Directive 2011/65/EU — screening and quantitative analysis for lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in the polyurethane compound, colorants, and any flame-retardant additives.
REACH Annex XVII and SVHC screening — targeted analysis of Substances of Very High Concern including specific phthalate plasticizers, short-chain chlorinated paraffins, and restricted isocyanate monomers that may be present as unreacted raw materials in the polyurethane elastomer.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons per AfPS GS 2019:01 PAK — for carbon-black-filled or dark-colored polyurethane parts, the 15 restricted PAHs are extracted and quantified by GC-MS to confirm compliance with European consumer product safety limits.
Phthalates and plasticizers per CPSC-CH-C1001-09.4 and EN 14372 — GC-MS determination of the six restricted phthalates in flexible polyurethane components intended for children's products, toys, and food contact applications.
Residual isocyanate monomer content per EN 13130-8 and internal methods — for polyurethane elastomers used in food contact, medical, and toy applications, the residual TDI or MDI monomer is quantified by HPLC or GC-MS to ensure it is below the specific migration limit.

Report Recognition and ISO/IEC 17025 Compliance

All methods described in this polyurethane elastomer testing program are covered by our ISO/IEC 17025 scope of accreditation. Our test reports are accepted by European notified bodies, by automotive and industrial OEMs in North America and Asia, and by customs and regulatory authorities across the Middle East, Australia, and the Gulf. Whether you require a complete characterization of a new polyurethane formulation, a batch release inspection for an export shipment, or a root cause failure analysis of a returned component, our laboratory provides the measurement accuracy and material science expertise that the global polyurethane industry demands.