Tensile Impact, Izod and Charpy
The UL Thermoplastics Testing Center can carry out the following tensile impact, izod and charpy tests for you.
Tensile Impact test
The tensile impact test is a tensile test with a very high deformation speed.
However, the only value determined is the impact energy consumed. The tensile impact test frequently has a large spread of measured values. It should consequently only be used if no break occurs in impact or notched impact tests or if it is expressly required, for example in case of thermal ageing according to UL 746 B in order to determine the TI.
- Tensile impact strength of an unnotched specimen, atU [KJ/m²]
- Tensile impact strength of a notched specimen, atN [KJ/m²]
Izod Impact test
The Izod impact test is a quick and simple test to facilitate a comparative material assessments.
Amongst other things, it is used to investigate the effects of changed formulation, compounding or injection molding conditions on the test specimen. Different effects can be simulated by varying the temperature and the notch shape.
Notched test specimens must be used in order to produce a break in ductile materials. The test is possible within a temperature range from -60°C to +80°C.
- Izod impact strength of an unnotched specimen aiU [KJ/m²]
- Izod impact strength of a notched specimen aiN [KJ/m²]
- Incl. break assessment at the corresponding temperature and, where applicable, a rubber-glass transition
Example: ISO 180/4 A R
Type of test specimen
Flat test specimen with dimensions l x b x h
| Type | Length l | Width b | Thickness h |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 80 | 10 | 4 |
| 2 | 63,5 | 12,7 | 12,7 |
| 3 | 63,5 | 12,7 | 6,4 |
| 4 | 63,5 | 12,7 | 3,2 |
All dimensions in mm.
Type of notch
U unnotched
A notch with 0.25 mm radius
B notch with 1.00 mm radius
Direction of impact
R notch on side facing away from hammer
Charpy Impact test
The Charpy impact test is a quick and simple test to facilitate a comparative material assessment.
Amongst other things, it is used to investigate the effects of changed formulation, compounding or injection molding conditions on the test specimen.
In the Charpy test, the test specimens are subjected to stress in a set-up similar to the three-point loading test and broken as soon as they are sufficiently brittle. Notched test specimens must be used in order to produce a break in ductile materials. The test is possible within a temperature range from –60°C to +80°C.
- Charpy impact strength of an unnotched specimen aiU [KJ/m²]
- Charpy impact strength of a notched specimen aiN [KJ/m²]
- Incl. break assessment at the corresponding temperature and, where applicable, a rubber-glass transition
Example: ISO 179/1 e A
| Type of test specimen | Direction of impact | Notch depth |
|---|---|---|
| 1 flat test specimen with dimensions l x b x h | e = edgewise f = flatwise |
U unnotched A notch with 0.25 mm radius B notch with 1.00 mm radius C notch with 0.10 mm radius |
| Type of test specimen | Length l | Width b | Thickness h |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 80 | 10 | 4 |
| 2 | 25 x h | 10 or 15 | 3 |
| 3 | 11 x h or 13 x h | 10 or 15 | 3 |
All dimensions in mm.
