Nissan NES M0086 Automotive Plastic Foam

The “Nissan NES M0086 Automotive plastic foam” standard developed by the Nissan automobile company describes test methods for high-molecular plastic foam materials used in automotive applications. The table provided in the standard shows substance classification and typical application.

This standard does not apply to plastic foam materials consisting of:

• Partially rubber foam materials (weatherproof and similar materials)
• Layered or laminated materials (vinyl leather and double-sided tape)
• Foam materials intended for sealing applications

Attention should be paid to the quality of automotive parts in which plastic foam materials are used. Part quality is defined as density. Other physical characteristics are left to the discretion of the personnel performing the test. The table within the standard shows the physical properties of various foam materials and is included for reference purposes.

Test procedures are included in the standard annex under the heading “Test method for automotive cellular materials”. Here, the test method classification is made and general information is given about the standard status of the sample, sample preparation, conditioning of the samples and compilation of the test result.

Tests to be performed include:

• Apparent density
• Hardness
• Tensile strength and elongation
• Flexural strength
• compression set
• thermal aging
• impact resistance
• Repetitive compression set
• Tear resistance
• water absorption
• Flammability
• Wet heat aging test method
• misting

Test methods are classified into 13 types:

The soft foam material changes shape when a load is applied but quickly returns to its original shape when the load is removed.

The rigid foam material changes shape only slightly when a small load is applied. Its load carrying capacity is high, but its elastic limits are low and if it is deformed above a certain limit (including semi-rigid material) it will not return to its previous state.

The standard condition of the test area should, as a rule, comply with the “JIS Z 8703 Standard atmospheric conditions for testing” standard temperature condition (Class 3 temperature 15 to 26 degrees) and standard humidity condition (Class 3 humidity 45 percent to 85 percent). However, if the test area cannot be maintained under standard conditions, the temperature and humidity at the time of the test are reported.

The sample is normally taken from a foam molded product with the shell removed to a depth of at least 20 mm. If this is not possible, the sample is taken from the product formed using any of the following forming methods:

• Free foaming: Samples of required sizes are prepared from the slices.
• Mold foam: Mold foaming is done in containers of 350 mm x 350 mm x 100 mm and samples are prepared respectively from dehulled foamed materials to a depth of at least 20 mm.

Samples are normally taken from material that has been left to stand for 24 hours after manufacturing. Samples are kept in the test chamber for at least one hour in the standard condition of the sample prior to testing, but only if special conditioning requirements are met.

Test results are compiled by rounding in accordance with the standard “JIS Z 8401 Guide to rounding of numbers” and, unless specifically stated, agreed between the parties involved.

Among the numerous testing, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it provides for businesses in various sectors, our organization also provides testing services defined in the "Nissan NES M0086 Automotive plastic foam" standard, with a trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.