MBN 51000-8 Polymer Based Materials, Material Systems and Semi-Finished Products - Part 8: Analytical Tests

The standard "MBN 51000-8 Polymer-based materials, material systems and semi-finished products - Part 8: Analytical tests" developed by the Mercedes Benz Group describes test procedures for polymer-based materials, material systems and semi-finished products used in automotive applications. This standard focuses on analytical tests to assess the performance and suitability of these materials under various conditions.

The MBN 51000-8 standard covers a number of analytical methods for evaluating material properties. For example, one subsection deals with the determination of the cold reference value using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), which is crucial for understanding the low temperature behaviour of elastomers.

This standard applies to a variety of polymer-based materials, including elastomers, thermoplastics, and composites, commonly used in automotive components. In fact, this standard is part of a broader suite of MBN standards covering different testing aspects. For example, MBN 51000-4 focuses on thermal testing, MBN 51000-5 on weather resistance testing, MBN 51000-6 on mechanical testing, and MBN 51000-7 on strength testing.

Automotive manufacturers and suppliers use the MBN 51000-8 standard to ensure that materials meet the stringent performance requirements of vehicle components. By adhering to these standard test methods, companies can verify material properties, ensure quality, and maintain consistency across products.

There are many different tests in the MBN 51000-8 standard. For example:

• Cold reference value measurement: This measurement is usually performed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). This test is particularly important for evaluating the low-temperature behavior of polymer-based materials such as elastomers. The cold reference value describes the behavior of an elastomer near or below its glass transition temperature. This value is used to determine whether the material will retain its flexibility in cold climate conditions. In the automotive industry, rubber seals, insulation and similar elastomer parts must also perform at low temperatures. This test detects and eliminates materials that are at risk of becoming brittle at minus 40 degrees, for example.
• Chemical structure analysis: This analysis is usually done by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). This method is used to determine the chemical composition of polymers and elastomers in particular. This method examines the interaction of infrared light with a substance to understand its molecular structure. Each molecule has a characteristic infrared light absorption pattern, which is like a fingerprint. With this method, the polymer type, additives (plasticizers, fillers, stabilizers) and chemical changes (signs of oxidation, cross-linking, degradation) are determined. This method checks whether the material from the supplier is compatible with the declared polymer. It is also used to examine the chemical change of a part after use. It also evaluates the risk of mold/material compatibility when different materials need to be used together.
• Thermal degradation behavior: This test is usually performed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). This analysis measures the mass loss of a material as it is heated, revealing its thermal stability and composition. This analysis measures the mass change of a sample over a certain temperature range, analyzing its thermal degradation process. This is especially valuable in multi-component systems such as polymers and elastomers. This method determines the degradation temperatures, the decomposition order of the different components, the filler ratio, the volatile matter content, the carbon/silicate residue ratio, and which component decomposes at what temperature in multi-layer or multi-component systems. This analysis is widely used for quality control and comparison of polymers, for comparison of degradation in the analysis of aged materials, for determining thermal resistance criteria in material selection, or for content analysis of composite structures (e.g. glass fiber ratio, carbon filler).
• Melt flow rate measurement: This test is performed by the melt flow index method. These measurements are used to evaluate the processability of thermoplastics. This test is especially important in processes such as injection molding and extrusion. The melt flow index measures how many grams of a molten thermoplastic material flows in 10 minutes under a certain temperature and load. A high melt flow index indicates lower viscosity. The material flows easily, which is good for thinner-walled parts, but its impact resistance may decrease. A low melt flow index indicates higher viscosity. The material flows with difficulty, but is generally more durable and tough. With the melt flow rate measurement, it is determined whether the flow properties of the supplied plastic are as expected in terms of raw material control. In terms of injection molding compatibility, it is determined whether it is suitable for the appropriate flow according to the machine and mold. In terms of recycling control, the changing flow behavior of recycled materials is detected. In terms of mixing ratio determination, proportion adjustment is determined in new formulations.

The MBN 51000-8 standard also describes test methods such as density measurement and flammability tests. Density measurement helps to understand the structural properties of the material. Flammability tests determine the flammability behavior of the material.

Our organization, which has been trying to support businesses from every sector with its wide range of testing, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies for years, has a strong staff that closely follows the developments in the world in the field of science and technology and constantly improves itself. In this context, testing services in accordance with the "MBN 51000-8 Polymer-based materials, material systems and semi-finished products - Part 8: Analytical tests" standard are also provided to businesses.